Such databases alert providers to patient risk factors, such as seeing several doctors to get multiple prescriptions.

According to the prosecutor’s office, there are no plans to request a special prosecutor.

Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) says Indiana's criminal justice system has broken down at the court level.

Gov. Mike Pence created the Drug Enforcement, Treatment and Prevention Task Force last summer to respond to the state’s drug crisis. Lawmakers and the governor’s office now want to make the task force permanent with a bill establishing the Indiana Commission to Combat Drug Abuse.

The Lifeline law provides drunk minors with immunity from underage drinking charges if they seek medical or police help for any reason. Indianapolis Republican Sen. Jim Merritt wants to expand it further, this time providing immunity from drug charges for people under 21.

As Indiana government and health officials grapple with the state’s ongoing drug abuse crisis, they say the problem begins and ends, in many ways, with the issue of stigma. And, it’s an issue that can’t be solved through a piece of legislative or administrative policy.

Legislation to make the key meth ingredient pseudoephedrine available only by prescription is endorsed by both the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Association and House Speaker Brian Bosma. But, Logansport Sen. Randy Head says that’s a drastic step that unfairly punishes people who just want access to cold medicine.

Gov. Mike Pence Tuesday announced the most aggressive steps yet coming out of his Drug Task Force to help address Indiana’s substance abuse crisis.

Indiana’s synthetic drug law bars the sale of certain compounds and look-alikes, while allowing the pharmacy board to add new compounds to the list of banned substances. Two of the first people convicted under the law challenged the statute, claiming it was too vague to be constitutional.