N.J. moves to curb HGH abuse

The New Jersey Assembly has approved a measure requiring the state to monitor prescriptions filled for human growth hormone. It’s still awaiting action in the Senate.

Concern about steroid abuse by police and firefighters prompted the legislation.

Assemblyman Herb Conaway said monitoring those prescriptions can help prevent abuse.

“The misuse of this chemical is a cause of a danger to the personal health of the people who use it inappropriately,” said Conaway Monday.

Inappropriate use, he said, represents “a danger to someone who might experience violence at the hands of someone who has a negative side effect from it, and also a problem for the public in terms of the monies that we spend for health care.”

Prescriptions of growth hormones for public safety employees cost New Jersey taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Sponsors say there are even higher costs from the increased aggression it can cause and the disability pensions for abusers.

The legislation was passed unanimously by the Assembly.