Significant Event in Healthcare
The Banning of Cough Syrup to Minors in California
Tawney Hanson
University of Phoenix
February 17, 2013
Author’s Note
This paper was prepared for HCS 531, taught by Dr. Tracey Lane-Belcher EdD, RN, CNL
Abstract
This paper will discuss the topic of over the counter cough syrup being banned for minors to purchase. California was the first state where this law started. We will examine why and how it started, then lead to research of results. Also the understanding of how ingesting too much cold medicine can be hazardous and the reasoning behind banning won the vote over. I will also give my opinion and views on the matter.
California was the first state to take the stance against cold medicine abuse in the nation. In the effort to decrease the amount of children who misuse Nyquil, Dayquil, Dimetapp, Robitussin and other cough syrups. The law, SB 514 went into effect January 1 2012, which prohibits the sale of non-prescription drugs containing dextromethorphan (DMX) to people under the age of 18 years old. January 4, 2012, the California Poison Control System reports that DXM abuse calls for children under the age of 17 have increased 850 percent in the past decade (San Jose Mercury News). Which made DXM the most commonly reported type of abuse in this age bracket. This shocking increase of teenage abuse forced the nation to take action and change our health care system for drug education and rehabilitation centers. Before the law passed, kids and teenagers were purchasing lots of medicines in order to get a sensation of being high. The over the counter cough syrups were easily accessible and cheap for minors to purchase and abuse. At the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research conducted a national survey, including 45,000 teenagers. The results of the study were; 3.2 percent of 8th graders, 5.1 percent of 10th graders and 6.6 percent of 12th graders who claimed the use of DMX in the prior year (Jasperson, 2011). This is only an example
Tawney Hanson
University of Phoenix
February 17, 2013
Author’s Note
This paper was prepared for HCS 531, taught by Dr. Tracey Lane-Belcher EdD, RN, CNL
Abstract
This paper will discuss the topic of over the counter cough syrup being banned for minors to purchase. California was the first state where this law started. We will examine why and how it started, then lead to research of results. Also the understanding of how ingesting too much cold medicine can be hazardous and the reasoning behind banning won the vote over. I will also give my opinion and views on the matter.
California was the first state to take the stance against cold medicine abuse in the nation. In the effort to decrease the amount of children who misuse Nyquil, Dayquil, Dimetapp, Robitussin and other cough syrups. The law, SB 514 went into effect January 1 2012, which prohibits the sale of non-prescription drugs containing dextromethorphan (DMX) to people under the age of 18 years old. January 4, 2012, the California Poison Control System reports that DXM abuse calls for children under the age of 17 have increased 850 percent in the past decade (San Jose Mercury News). Which made DXM the most commonly reported type of abuse in this age bracket. This shocking increase of teenage abuse forced the nation to take action and change our health care system for drug education and rehabilitation centers. Before the law passed, kids and teenagers were purchasing lots of medicines in order to get a sensation of being high. The over the counter cough syrups were easily accessible and cheap for minors to purchase and abuse. At the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research conducted a national survey, including 45,000 teenagers. The results of the study were; 3.2 percent of 8th graders, 5.1 percent of 10th graders and 6.6 percent of 12th graders who claimed the use of DMX in the prior year (Jasperson, 2011). This is only an example
References: Colliver, V., January 31, 2013. Chronicle News. Curbing cough medicine abuse target of California law. Retrieved from http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Curbing-cough-medicine-abuse-target-of-Calif-law-2427482.php#page-2 Downshen, S. February 2013. KidsHealth. Cough and Cold Medicine Abuse. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/h1n1_center/h1n1_center_treatment/cough_cold_medicine_abuse.html# PRNewswire. Five Moms Take a Stand Against Cough Medicine Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/five-moms-take-a-stand-against-cough-medicine-abuse-58053212.html San Jose Mercury News. 2012. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/02/california-underage-cough-syrup-ban_n_1182286.html Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2012). Delivering health care in America: A systems approach (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett.