BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- The over-prescription of opioids in recent years has led to a nationwide epidemic.

To prevent this, New York State put in number of programs aimed at keeping track of each patient's medication.

But a recent audit showed that nearly 19,000 people were receiving opioids from more than one provider or treatment center.

That's nearly a third of all Medicaid patients.

"It actually doesn’t shock or surprise me. It disappoints me because New York state in theory has put this in place to try to help set up some protections," said Alexis Pleus, Truth Pharm Executive Director.

Alexis Pleus is the executive director of Truth Pharm.

Her organization is aimed at fighting the opioid epidemic and finding treatment for those who need it.

Pleus lost her son to an overdose after he received opioids from three separate providers in five weeks’ time.

"And that was while he was in active treatment, and that really never should have happened, and we hear stories like that all the time," said Pharm.

Out of a 25 patient survey, the review found that the system was checked just 18 times.

That means seven of the 25 patients could have been receiving opioids from a second, or even third provider.

"I think the state does hold some responsibility as well, in the fact that they put this in place and weren’t even aware if they were using it or not, and my understanding is that the state is also not using it in the way that they should,” said Pharm.

The state department of health released a statement, calling the audit a misleading representation.

They said in part, "The Department takes seriously its obligation to prevent inappropriate dispensing of opioid medications and has implemented numerous requirements to deter inappropriate use, and continually reviews alternatives that would strengthen these requirements."

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli plans to hold another audit in the near future.