When doctors have a broader view of their patients’ health, they can deliver informed care that addresses the “whole” patient. That’s why sharing comprehensive patient information digitally is an ultra-important tool for improving health outcomes.
While Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) were originally intended to help prevent opioid abuse and overprescribing, they also enable physicians to provide more integrated care. In some states, PDMPs are known as Prescription Monitoring Programs, or PMPs.
PDPs are state-based electronic databases of controlled substances dispensed to patients by different providers within the state. By accessing the PDP, prescribers can view a patient’s past and current medication history.
A Brief History of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs
PDMPs have been around for more than a century. However, the first electronic transmission of a prescription to a state from a pharmacy occurred in Oklahoma in 1990. Then, in 1995, Nevada became the first state to require a PDMP to collect data for Schedule II through V controlled substances. States have continued to add PDMP/PMP programs, and as of 2023, all 50 states, D.C., and Guam have operational PDMPs following the Missouri State Legislature’s 2021 final approval of a statewide SB 63 PDMP bill.
How Do PMP Systems Work?
When a pharmacist fills a prescription for a controlled substance, they enter information into the state PDMP. Time requirements for data entry vary by state, but the goal is for pharmacists to enter this information in real time so it’s immediately available to other prescribers.
Then, when a physician prescribes certain controlled substances, he or she reviews patient information in the state Prescription Monitoring Program. This helps the physician identify patients who are receiving:
- Opioids and controlled substances from multiple providers and/or pharmacies
- Other substances that may increase the risk of opioids, for example, benzodiazepines
- Medications that might cause harmful interactions
With this information, physicians can avoid prescribing medications that may lead to adverse drug effects (including addiction and accidental overdose). It also enables them to check for potential medication misuse or “doctor shopping.”
PDMPs are state-based, so providers may need to be licensed in multiple PDMPs to see the “full” patient story. For example, a patient in Washington, D.C. may use a pharmacy or doctor in nearby Virginia or Maryland. Check with your state’s health department for complete information.
What States Are PDMP Programs Required?
While all states have added operational PDMPs, most states have mandated the use of PDMP/PMP programs, as shown in this map from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
How to Register For Your State’s Program?
Each state has its own process for obtaining access to the PDMP/PMP, and not all allow registration for multiple states at once. Contact your state’s health department for more information on registration and interstate data sharing partnerships.
RXNT offers direct access to state PDMPs through a connection with Bamboo Health (formerly Appriss Health). RXNT is one of the few companies offering this feature. It’s conveniently integrated into RXNT’s Electronic Health Records (EHR), Electronic Prescribing (eRx), and Full Suite solutions, so there’s no interruption to a provider’s workflow.
