Letter to the Editor

I was very encouraged by the stark reality so clearly delineated by Ms. Coggins (Letter to the Editor, January 2014) concerning the inability of nurse practitioners (NPs) to prescribe the drugs (Suboxone and Zubsolv) now available for opioid dependence. There is an epidemic of opioid deaths, particularly within the New York City area. My particular county of Richmond has the highest rate of opioid deaths. Different legislative laws now require checking a Web site to determine which patient may be seeking additional narcotic medication or doctor shopping. New York has taken firm steps to deal with the high death and addiction rate. (Source: The Journal for Nurse Practitioners)