New law now requires prescriptions to be electronically transmitted

A new law in New York State will now require all prescriptions to be electronically transmitted to help fight prescription drug abuse.

It's being called I-STOP and it'll provide timely and enhanced information to practitioners and pharmacists. It will allow doctors to view their patients' controlled substance history.

Experts say prescription drug abuse is a major problem in Central New York, and part of the problem is what's called "doctor shopping."

"Doctor shoppers who go to different doctors to get different prescriptions. It's not a legitimate prescription. It's going to be for sale. And there are a lot of people who a dependent on these substances who will exaggerate these symptoms to get a fresh supply," said Paul Vitagliano, the Prevention Director at the Insight House.

The State Police will have drop boxes at nine of their headquarters for people to anonymously dispose unused prescription medications and controlled substances.