Florida Legislature looks at combating opioid epidemic

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida Legislature has started to look at ways to combat the state's opioid epidemic.
    
The Senate's Health Policy Committee held a hearing on Tuesday where professionals from law enforcement, emergency services and treatment centers testified about their experiences.
    
Gov. Rick Scott - who declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency in May - has proposed over $50 million in funding. Scott also proposed legislation last month that would place a three-day limit on prescribed opioids and require all health care professionals to participate in a statewide database that monitors prescriptions.
    
Volusia County sheriff Michael Chitwood told the committee that the state needs to take a task force approach statewide like it has done with child pornography.