NASHVILLE (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam has issued an executive order to make the management of state drug courts the responsibility of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Haslam said in a statement Wednesday that the move will increase efficiency and that the change fits with the department's role as the main authority for substance abuse in the state.

Commissioner Doug Varney said the change recognizes that the state faces what he called "a major prescription drug problem," and that Tennessee must focus its resources to have the biggest effect on drug abuse.

The change will take place on July 1. Drug courts were previously managed by the Department of Finance and Administration.