To help you understand this reaction, I will describe some consequences of enforcing S. 2151. Each year approximately 1M people die at home. Many suffer constant severe pain before they die. Good care for these patients begins with relief of pain. A potent narcotic analgesic is the best way to relieve pain.
Physicians typically prescribe enough to relieve pain until the next visit.
Dying patients who were intent upon suicide could take all of the prescribed medication at once. The DEA could take two approaches in implementing S. 2151. They could wait for people to come forward and accuse a physician. I will focus on the second approach. Suppose a patient dies at home after receiving a prescription intended for pain control.