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Old 04-05-2013, 07:43 PM
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Default Florida Statute 456.44

I can't speak to all of the issues that skyguy79 brings up regarding
Dr. Tafur, but one element is worthy of discussion.

Under current Florida law a doctor cannot prescribe potent painkiller medications for long term use unless he declares himself as a controlled substance prescribing practitioner on his practitioner profile and meets a number of requirements and rules. Skyguy79's history of eight years of painkiller use would make him a long term user. In all likelihood Dr. Tafur has not designated himself a controlling substance prescribing practitioner under Florida law which is why he referred skyguy79 to a pain management clinic.

I had back injuries which required long term painkiller use and Dr. Tafur referred me to the pain clinic which was right next door to his office. I was treated there until back surgery ended the need for the meds.

I normally go to a local Urgent Care Clinic for treatment of unexpected illnesses or injuries. They have a sign on the wall that ONLY Dr. So and So is a designated substance prescribing practitioner; the other doctors at the clinic cannot prescribe painkillers.

On one occasion I went to a different clinic. They had a sign on the wall that said that NONE of their doctors could prescribe painkillers.

There is a similar sign at the entrance to the office of my pulmonologist.

Again, my surmise is that Dr. Tafur has chosen not to designate himself as a designated substance prescribing practitioner. He did not lie to skyguy79. Skyguy79's subsequent doctors probably did designate themselves, so they could prescribe the drugs.

See the link below for a discussion of the Florida Law.

Florida Osteopathic Medical Association