![]() ![]() 5 The number of states with operational PMPs began to climb in the 1990s. 4 In 1991, Oklahoma became the first state with an electronic format for its PMP. PMPs were created to assist clinicians and law enforcement in curbing misuse, abuse, and diversion of controlled substances. Responsibility for reporting typically falls to pharmacies and other dispensers. Most PMPs collect data on Schedules II-IV drugs, but some states require reporting on other drugs of concern. Each state law sets forth the controlled substances for which dispensing data will be collected. 4 PMPs are authorized by state law and administered by a state agency, such as the health department, pharmacy board, or the attorney general's office. Prescription monitoring programs, also known as PMPs, are state-run electronic databases that collect, monitor, and analyze information on the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. 3 Naturally, there is an increased focus on prescribers as part of the problem and as an integral part of the solution - a solution that also includes prescription monitoring programs. 2 The Obama Administration referred to prescription drug abuse as the “Nation's fastest-growing drug problem”. 1 In 2011, 1.2 million emergency department (ED) visits involved nonmedical use of pharmaceuticals as did most of the 200,000 ED visits for drug-related suicide attempts. The Centers for Disease Control reported that 60% of overdose deaths in 2010 involved pharmaceutical drugs. Further, you may be legally required to do so. Use of such data can also enhance patient safety and minimize your professional liability risks. Accessing data from a prescription monitoring program provides you with objective evidence of your patient's prescription history that can be used to inform your clinical decisions. Now you have an alternative to that uncertainty. Have you ever suspected, but lacked proof, that a patient might be misusing the controlled substance you are prescribing or “doctor shopping” for multiple prescriptions? If so, perhaps you have counseled the patient on medication safety, prescribed, and crossed your fingers. To answer that question, let's start with another. Note: The information and recommendations in this article are applicable to physicians and other healthcare professionals so “clinician” is used to indicate all treatment team members. For legal advice, contact your personal attorney. The information in this column does not constitute legal advice. Other risk management consulting companies or insurance carriers may provide different advice, and readers should take this into consideration. The answers published in this column represent those of only one risk management consulting company. (a manager of medical professional liability insurance programs with services that include risk management consultation, education and onsite risk management audits, and other resources to healthcare providers to help improve patient outcomes and reduce professional liability risk. This ongoing column is dedicated to providing information to our readers on managing legal risks associated with medical practice. ![]()
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