The Portsmouth City Board of Health has decided not to wait on changes in the local pain clinic regulation ordinance or the state’s rules to be put into place. They have decided to get the regulations out and begin enforcing them immediately.

“I think we take a stand,” said Dr. Tim Angell of the City Board of Health. “Anyone can get a lawyer and sue. I say we take a stand and say we’re not going to put up with this anymore. We’re going to pass the regulations. We’re going to enforce the regulations.”

The Board brought up the issue during its regular meeting Wednesday, and outgoing City Health Commissioner Peggy Burton said Portsmouth City Solicitor Mike Jones is waiting on the State Medical Board of Ohio rules to take effect with the state law, which

also regulates pain clinics, before making changes to the local ordinance.

“Right now we have this ordinance and according to it we should have our regulations and be inspecting these places, and following all those regulations,” Burton said. “We don’t have to wait on the state, but it is just that that is what Mike Jones, the solicitor said. He said he wasn’t going to do anything about the ordinance until the state finished

making their rules. Then, at that time he would change the ordinance to reflect theirs.”

Tracy Bias, co-owner of both Portsmouth’s pain clinics — Southern Ohio Complete Pain Management LLC and Portsmouth Medical Solutions LLC — told the Portsmouth Daily Times on Tuesday both clinics are closed.

Portsmouth Medical Solutions LLC, located on 11th Street, has been locked and because of late rent, and the building has been put up for lease.

“Do it now while no one is in operation,” Angell said.

Burton finished the thought by saying: “If they did start operating and refused to get a license then they are in violation of the ordinance.”

Angell said the Health Department would then seek an injunction from the court because the pain clinic operator would be in violation of the ordinance.

Burton said the rules are already in place, and she only needs to go through the numbering process.

“I’ll get that to you at the next Board meeting,” Burton said. “I’ll get that out to you in the next couple of days before I leave.”

Burton’s retirement begins at the end of the month.

“Promulgate the rules and let’s start enforcing

them,” Angell said.

Dr. Elie Saab, a member of the Board said the group should study the rules and be ready to openly discuss them at the next meeting.

FRANK LEWIS may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232, or flewis@heartlandpublications.com.