NORTH CAROLINA -- A bill that would give law enforcement instant access to prescription drug records is heading to Governor Roy Cooper.

  • State legislators passed the Hope Act this week to help police tackle opioid abuse
  • If approved by the Governor, investigators could look suspects up in the Controlled Substance Reporting System
  • Opponents argue that’s a privacy violation

State legislators passed the Hope Act this week in an effort to help police tackle opioid abuse.

If approved by the Governor, investigators could look suspects up in the Controlled Substance Reporting System, which tracks which drugs doctors have prescribed and how much and agencies wouldn't need a warrant.

Opponents argue that’s a privacy violation. Even some representatives, who otherwise support the measure, raise concerns about not requiring warrants.

"We understand that it's very sensitive information in there,” says High Point Police Chief Kenneth Shultz. “We want to make sure our law enforcement officers are only using it for those bona fide cases and investigations that are necessary for us to detect that fraud."

The chief says any officer caught abusing the system could face arrest and felony charges. If the bill becomes law, its sponsors say they'll also put 10 million dollars toward treatment.

 

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