Lawmaker: Legislation Will Address Rehab Deaths

An Oklahoma lawmaker says he'll propose legislation to regulate drug treatment practices following the deaths of three people at a drug rehabilitation center in Canadian.

Democratic state Sen. Tom Ivester said Friday that he believes the state should enact strict regulations on the type of treatments offered by Narconon Arrowhead.

7/26/2012 Related Story: Former Narconon Patient Talks About Treatment Practices

Three patients of the center have died since October -- the most recent in July. Pittsburg County Sheriff Joel Kerns has said his office is investigating the deaths.

Center director Gary Smith said in an earlier statement that Narconon Arrowhead is fully cooperating with investigators "and will comply with any recommendations that may be made by these agencies."

Ivester offered no specifics of his proposal -- but said he believes the state can impose "strict regulations" on drug treatment programs.

7/22/2012 Related Story: Father Calls Daughter's Death McAlister At Rehab Facility Preventable