FRANKFORT — Kentucky is closer to having a statewide strategic plan to combat the illegal use of the powerful painkiller OxyContin.

        Representatives from more than a dozen state agencies met Wednesday to hammer out a strategy to present to Gov. Paul Patton by May 4.

        “I have great confidence that we will come to a solution to this problem,” said Joseph Famularo, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

        Representatives said they hope to have an impact in eight areas: enforcement, education, legislation, pharmacy issues, medical issues, street-level assistance, data collection and treatment.

        After an Eastern Kentucky drug bust in February yielded more than 200 indictments, Mr. Patton created the task force to bolster state initiatives to curb prescription drug abuse.

        Recommendations likely will center on three topics:

        • Strengthening the common wealth's prescription tracking system, called KASPER, to allow online, real-time use by doctors and pharmacists.

        The data included in the Kentucky All-Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting system, which tracks every narcotic prescription in the state, can be weeks behind. An upgrade could mean that medical personnel and law enforcement officials could access information immediately.

        • Educating law enforcement, medical professionals and the community.

        Representatives from the Connecticut-based drug maker Purdue Pharma L.C. and others recommended comprehensive education that would reach physicians and the public.

        Suggestions included continuing education for doctors on pain management, development of a pamphlet for students, and town forums.

        • Enforcing and strengthening existing laws.

        Many who attended the meeting suggested stiffer penalties for robberies and illegal possession involving OxyContin.

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