WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —  Rush Limbaugh's (search) medical records were properly seized by investigators seeking information on alleged illegal drug use, an appeals court ruled Wednesday.

Investigators raided the offices of Limbaugh's doctors seeking information on whether the conservative radio commentator illegally tried to buy prescription painkillers. Limbaugh, 53, has not been charged with a crime and the investigation had been at a standstill pending a decision on the medical records.

"We hold that the constitutional right of privacy in medical records is not implicated by the State's seizure and review of medical records under a valid search warrant without prior notice or hearing," the 4th District Court of Appeal (search) ruled.

A spokesman for Limbaugh did not have any immediate comment.

Prosecutors went after Limbaugh's medical records after learning that he received about 2,000 painkillers, prescribed by four doctors in six months, at a pharmacy near his Palm Beach mansion.

Limbaugh admitted his addiction to pain medication last October, saying it stemmed from severe back pain. He took a five-week leave from his radio show to enter a rehabilitation program.