← 508-004508-006 →

Conversation 508-005

TapeTape 508StartWednesday, June 2, 1971 at 8:55 AMEndWednesday, June 2, 1971 at 9:20 AMTape start time00:09:17Tape end time00:10:49ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President)Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon dictates a memorandum to John Ehrlichman instructing him to investigate the role of physician over-prescription in the nation's drug abuse crisis. The President directs Ehrlichman to consult with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Secretary of Health regarding the misuse of amphetamines and other controlled substances. The primary objective is to obtain a formal study and actionable recommendations on how to restrict the ability of medical professionals to facilitate drug abuse through excessive prescribing practices.

Drug abusePrescription drugsJohn EhrlichmanHealth policyAmphetaminesPhysician oversight
AudioNARA Description

On June 2, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:55 am and 9:20 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 508-005 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 508-5

Date: June 2, 1971
Time: Unknown between 8:55 am and 9:20 am
Location: Oval Office

The President dictated a memorandum to John D. Ehrlichman
                                               3

                          NIXON PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS STAFF

                                       Tape Subject Log
                                         (rev. 10/08)



     Drug abuse studies
          -Department of Health, Education, and Welfare [HEW]
          -Secretary of Health from Arizona
               -Physicians
                     -Over-prescription of drugs
               -Study
               -Instructions for Krogh
                     -HEW                                            Conv. No. 508-5 (cont.)
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

I would like for you to check with the ATW and true them directly with the for help who is from Arizona on what the situation is with
for amphetamines and other drugs.
Actually, a substantial part of the drug problem can be traced directly to doctors who overprescribe drugs for patients.
I would like a study made as to how we might restrict these activities.
And get me a recommendation on it.
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