Virgina prescription drug database hacked as Florida lawmakers approve creation of similar system
by Michael C. Bender | May 5th, 2009
UPDATE: Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, a co-sponsor of Florida’s legislation: “We need to ensure that Florida’s system uses top-of-the-line technology to eliminate the threat from hackers. The bill I proposed would have done so, and the bill that ultimately passed can do so as well. “
Among the concerns about creating a database that tracks prescription drug purchases in Florida was that it could be hacked into and put thousands of identities at risk. A majority of lawmakers, however, approved the bill (SB 462), which is on its way to Gov. Charlie Crist for final approval.
Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that the same system in Virginia has been compromised and hackers are demanding ransom.
“It doesn’t surprise me,” said Rep. Carl Domino, R-Jupiter. Domino led an unsuccessful attempt to amend an anti-hacker measure to the bill, requiring the state to use software that would keep the information in alpha-numeric codes.
“The sponsor of the bill and the drug czar (Bill Janes) were so desperate to do something that they weren’t going to let a single amendment on. This hasn’t worked on any state in the union,” Domino said.
A drug database — which supporters say could crack down on Floridians who use the same prescription at several pharmacies — has been debated for years in the legislature.
Former Gov. Jeb Bush was among the early supporters. He applauded lawmakers for approving the measure.
“Haven’t seen the details,” he wrote in an e-mail, “but if it is comprehensive and implemented correctly, it will save lives.
Tags: drugs
Where's the money? Use The Post's interactive database of who wants and who's getting federal dollars.
Use these interactive graphics to find and contact Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast legislators.
May 6th, 2009 at 12:08 am
[...] Friday. Domino wants lawmakers to reconsider their decision to create a prescription drug database after similar software was hacked in [...]
May 7th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
[...] Crist today asking him to veto a bill to create a prescription drug database. The letter is in reaction to a story about a similar database getting hacked in Virginia and held for [...]
June 8th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
[...] just days after the bill finally passed this year, a similar database was hacked and held for ransom in Virginia. That news inspired 13 House Republicans (including all 10 who opposed it and three who [...]