The Washington times., 1915-04-01
FIND NOOBJECT|ON
TO NARCOTICS LAW
Washington Physicians Given
Little Cause to Complain,
They Say.

Little complaint has been registered
by Washington physicians regarding the
operation of the new Harrison law, re-
stricting the sale of narcotics, such as
has been reported from other cities, es-
pecially in New York state.
DIR. B. r. Rhees, at the Internal Rev
enue office of the Treasury Depart
ment has been kept busy for a month
answering questions from physicians
in all parts of the country regarding the
operation of the new law.
More than 1000 Of these were con-
sidered in the preparation of a series
of rulings upon the new law, and these
rulings are believed to cover most OF
the questions asked about the admin
istration Of the measure. They have
been printed in separate pamphlet form
and are being forwarded to many ques-
TONERS.
Among the important rulings con-
tained in this pamphlet Is that which
sets forth clearly that physicians who
believe they cannot administer opiates
prehension. Narcotics may be left with
either nurse or patient If records are
kept of the amounts so dispensed.
AS To Telephone Prescriptions.
Complaint also was found with the
tlons. But a new ruling allows pre-
scriptions to be telephoned provided
that, upon. delivery of the drug. the
prescription is awaiting the messenger
Washington physicians. for the most
part, report that they do not find them
selves hampered by the law. Many Of
them praise it highly, and a few think
it does not go far enough.
DR.. Henry Ellicott, of the Farragut.
asserted that he has experienced no
difficulties with the new law.
IT simply do what always have
done" said Dr. Ellicott. That Is to
leave a prescribed amount with patient
or nurse, with chart showing when
doses are to be taken. This chart Is
sufficient record, as required by the
law. I have not been under the i'm
preston that the law requires a ply
sician to be present when opiates are
administered. OF course. in a hospital
physicians always are on hand anyway
Objects To License.
DR.. Sterling Ruffin, 1895 Connecticut
avenue, mentioned the rule against tele-
phoning prescriptions as one of the in
conveniences the law works against
physicians. But that has been amelio-
rated by the new ruling of the Treasury
Department on that point. DIR. Ruffin
also characterized the enforced pay
"a little thing but indefensiblc.''
Il find no fault with the Harrison
law" said DR.. II. T. Harding, of 1451
G.irard street. ANY opiates I admin
about. When / leave opiates with a
patient or with a nurse to be given TO
a patient I have TO keep record of it,
which is entirely proper
Dr. Taylor Boyd Dixon and DR.. Walter
A. Wells added their testimony that
no inconveniences were experienced
with the new law. DR.. S. Logan Owens
made a similar statement, and added,
ences. | believe physicians would gladly
put up with it for the undoubted good
such law will accomplish"
"There's No Hardship"
"1f anything. the present law Is lit
tie laN,' said DIR. Jesse Ramsburgh, Of
the Portner. "Or rather, it does not
state it's intent cleaIf; enough Upon
reading it you will tInd that it aims
to exempt physicians who administer
opiates personally from making any rec
ords of such an administrat ton But this
section is so loosely worded that it
seems to imply that 7 might leave with
a patient any amount of opiate, if
called personally, and still be exempt
OF course, what the law intends Is to
have me make a record of all suoS
cases. and that is being generally done
and constitutes no hardship
Dr. Lewis j. Battle finds the only de-
feet in the present law in the fact that
it Is not comprehensive enough He
complains that it does not include pare
goric and mixtures which contain
Codine.
In regard to paregoric, about which
there has been much question, the Inter-
nal Revenue Office has ruled, Cam
phorated tincture of opium, prepared ac-
cording to the United States Pharma-
copeia standard, contains not quite two
grains nnwInraI tha
ounce; and is, therefore, exempt from
the provisions of this law"
DR.. Caryl Burbank added his ndorse-
ment to the law. He said that he knew
lGln I'll l..