Tampa enacts emergency pain clinic ordinance

TAMPA - Saying they cannot wait until October for a state law to take effect, Tampa City Council members moved swiftly today to crack down on rogue pain clinics.

"This is an emergency ordinance," said Julia Cole, city of Tampa attorney.

The morning vote was unanimous, requiring permits and setting standards for the controversial businesses, which have, in some cases, attracted people who are addicted to painkillers.

"We're not asking for a moratorium on pain clinics," Assistant Police Chief Marc Hamlin said. "We want to restrict clinics and their personnel that do not properly diagnose their patients or dispense their drugs."

Hamlin said the situation was chronic and warranted immediate attention. He also indicated the new state statute did not include all the powers necessary for local law enforcement to confront the problem.

No representatives of pain clinics spoke at Thursday's hearing.

"There are some that are legit," Miranda said. But, he said he was fearful shady clinics, left unrestricted, would transform Tampa into a drug haven.

"This is not the end of these things, it is just the beginning," Miranda continued. "It is a win-win for society."

The ordinance will require those who seek to operate a pain management clinic to obtain a permit from the city and renew it annually.

Applicants will be required to sumbit a list of all employees, their criminal histories, and their fingerprints. Recent drug felons will be prohibited from working or operating clinics within city limits.

Police must also be notified whether controlled substances will be dispensed on the property, according to the ordinance. Surprise inspections will also be a possibility.

Violators will be fined daily. Those who gain a permit but do not abide by its requirements could also have their permit revoked.