"Health & Medical News"

States that allow managed-care programs to limit prescriptions and access to pharmacy networks are hindering the use of naltrexone for treating alcohol addiction, according to research from the Substance Abuse Policy Research Program (SAPRP).

Researchers Carolyn Heinrich of the University of Wisconsin at Madison and Carolyn Hill of Georgetown University found that treatment providers were more likely to prescribe naltrexone in states where use of generic drugs is encouraged in Medicaid programs. In states where managed-care firms dictate prescription rules, however, naltrexone was less likely to be prescribed. Other barriers to naltrexone use were restricting use of Medicaid funds for addiction treatment and the use of restrictive preferred-drug lists for Medicaid patients.

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Rhode Island’s social-host law, designed to prevent underage drinking parties, has been hobbled by language that limits its application to the host’s “residence,” thus excluding drinking in backyards or other locations on private property.

East Bay Newspapers reported Sept. 25 that lawmakers are trying to revise the bill to close the loophole. “This is supposed to be about the host who is holding the party and making alcohol available to underage kids,” said Rep. Jan Malik, the cosponsor of the original legislation who is also working on the revision. Now, says Malik, “if you hear the police are coming over, you just run into the backyard.”

Popularity: 4% [?]