|
|
| Inmates To Use Generic Drugs |
| By The Shreveport Times |
| Published: 03/27/2006 |
|
A Louisiana commissioner is initiating a plan to cut the costs of medical care for Caddo Correctional Center inmates by restricting brand-name medications issued at the facility. Joyce Bowman will introduce a proposal today that would require inmates to accept generic drugs when available. The parish spent almost $2.4 million on inmate medical care in 2005, most of which went toward medication. Creating a law that calls for alternative drugs is one way to ensure the parish will minimize medical costs at the prison, said Bowman, who represents District 5. "By law, we have to take care of them. These are tax dollars. And if we can use generics, then those prisoners surely can, too. And I'm doing it by ordinance because that is law." Bowman's proposal has drawn the support of at least one fellow commissioner. District 10's David Cox said it's something his colleagues should have considered long before now. "We cannot ask the taxpayers to pay for brand drugs when some of our own citizens can't afford generics to start with. Yes, they should take generics when at all possible." The measure will be up for final passage April 13. Commissioners also plan to discuss rescheduling a tax election to support the Caddo Juvenile Justice Complex. The proposition initially was to be up for vote April 1 but was taken off the ballot after commissioners raised concerns about unfair employment issues at juvenile court. Parish Administrator Bill Hanna said during Monday's work session that the election could be held as early as July 15. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think