Internet prescribing legislation introduced in U.S. Senate

From the Federation of State Medical Boards:

New legislation designed to regulate the sale of prescription drugs and controlled substances over the Internet was introduced in the U.S. Senate on Aug. 10. The “Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2006” (SB 3834)would:

• Prohibit the distribution of controlled substances and prescription drugs via the Internet without a valid prescription issued for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice that is based upon a qualifying medical relationship by a practitioner
• Provide criminal penalties for unlawfully dispensing controlled substances and prescription drugs over the Internet
• Give state attorneys general a civil cause of action against violators
• Allow the federal government to take possession of property used illegally by online pharmacies
• Require online pharmacies to file an additional registration statement with the attorney general and meet additional registration requirements
• Report to the attorney general all controlled substances and prescription drugs dispensed over the Internet