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Monday, January 28, 2013

ACLU Challenging DEA’s Access to Confidential Prescription Records Without a Warrant

The Drug Enforcement Administration is trying to access private prescription records of patients in Oregon without a warrant, despite a state law forbidding it from doing so. The ACLU and its Oregon affiliate are challenging this practice in a new case that raises the question of whether the Fourth Amendment allows federal law enforcement agents to obtain confidential prescription records without a judge’s prior approval. It should not.

Records of the prescription medications we take can reveal some of the most private and sensitive information about us. Knowing that a person self-administers prescription testosterone injections can reveal that he is a transgender man undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Knowing that someone takes Xanax, Valium, or other anti-anxiety medications can reveal a diagnosis of mental illness. If a person is on Marinol, a medication containing synthetic THC, she is likely fighting weight loss associated with AIDS. A prescription for a narcotic painkiller such as codeine or oxycodone might indicate a chronic or terminal illness. Ritalin and Adderall are associated with treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

3 comments:

  1. no duh, this is how they will get gun control...

    they will say you take meds so you should own a gun...

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  2. So, the DEA KNOWS what they are doing is against the law, but they STILL try to do it? Really? The same people who will shoot you and everyone in the house, including your dog and are steadfast and strict ENFORCING the laws don't think it applies to THEM??? Oh NO!!! Say it ain't so!! A government agency (an ARMED one) thinks they are IMMUNE from any stupid laws designed SPECIFICALLY to protect citizens? Stupid citizens. Stupid doctors. They know exactly how to deal with citizens who think they actually have RIGHTS. But DON'T look for any DEA agents or supervisors to be fired, reprimanded, or go to jail for willingly and deliberately violating the law. That kind of thing is reserved for the serfs only, not the public MASTERS. I know I don't have a clue, so tell me what I'm missing....

    ReplyDelete
  3. 1:14 you're not the only one to come to that conclusion.

    ReplyDelete

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