PHOENIX — Arizona has launched a new computer database that tracks prescription-drug use.
The information is stored in a state-managed, centralized database that can be accessed by doctors and pharmacists around the state.
The program, which was launched in December and is overseen by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy, aims to cut down on the persistent problem of prescription-drug abuse.
But it's raising concerns among privacy-rights groups that computer hackers or nosy health workers might access patients' personal information.
"There is a noble goal there: to stop the abuse of narcotic drugs," said Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy for the San Diego-based Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. "But obviously, any database is subject to breach."
State health officials said that so far, they know of no breach of any similar database in another state.
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With the Arizona system, pharmacy board officials said, access to the database is recorded and limited to pharmacists and doctors.
The data include the patient's name, date of birth, prescribing doctor, medication, the date the prescription was filled and the mailing addresses of the pharmacy and patient.
