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Orange County Grand Jury
• 2010-2011
Addictive Prescription Drugs and Orange County Seniors Addictive Prescription Drugs and
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 5 findings
F1
Average annual increases in the amount of potentially addictive medications being prescribed for Orange County seniors significantly outpaced population growth.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
A comprehensive study of this topic, similar to the one conducted in 2009 by the County Health Care Agency regarding youth and young adults, to focus on County seniors.
F2
By 2010, large quantities of narcotic pain relievers and benzodiazepine tranquilizers were being prescribed for County seniors. Prescribing trends for these drugs indicate even higher numbers in coming years.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Investigate the possibility of grant money for further study and research, including from major pharmaceutical corporations.
F3
Data from one hospital emergency room in Orange County showed significant annual increases in admissions for those 65 and older for prescription drug overdoses during the period examined.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Promote or increase routine screening of elders for signs of prescription drug misuse or abuse at all County operated or contracted clinics and facilities.
F4
Questions remain regarding the ultimate disposition of the large quantities of pain relievers being prescribed annually for County seniors.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Incorporate more systematic data collection and analysis during existing County outreach and intervention program efforts, such as by the County Health Care Agency’s Older Adult Services, Substance Abuse Resources Team.
F5
Little systematic data collection is taking place regarding indicators of prescription drug misuse or abuse (e.g., overdose rates, signs of substance abuse) among the County’s seniors. RECOMMENDATIONS: In accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the 2010-2011 Grand Jury requests responses from the agency affected by the recommendations presented in this section. The responses are to be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Based on its investigation of addictive prescription drugs and Orange County seniors, the 2010-2011 Orange County Grand Jury has five principal recommendations:
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Access and make better use of Orange County-specific prescription drug data from existing governmental databases, in particular California’s Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System, and the U.S. Drug Abuse Warning Network.
Agency Responses 1
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
No Responses Found 1
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County of Orange
Agency