NCJ Number
251167
Date Published
September 2014
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This report examines the nature and effectiveness of the activities of State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs).
Abstract
PDMPs collect data from pharmacies on dispensed controlled substance prescriptions and make this data available to authorized users, often through a secure, electronically accessible database. As of July 2014, 49 States and one territory had passed legislation authorizing a PDMP, and 48 States had an operating PDMP. Research and accumulated experience indicate that PDMPs perform essential functions in countering the prescription drug abuse epidemic. They can assist in identifying major sources of prescription drug diversion by means of prescription fraud, forgeries, doctor shopping, and improper prescribing and dispensing. PDMPs also serve as resources for healthcare practitioners and third-party payers for prescription drugs by providing information on patients' use of controlled substances. This information is critical for good medical care and patient safety. A prospective cost-benefit analysis prior to the launch of the Wisconsin PDMP concluded that the economic benefits produced by the program would far exceed operational costs. PDMP operations reduce healthcare costs, lost work productivity, and reduce the time required for drug diversion investigations. There are recent indications that prescription drug overdose deaths are declining in some jurisdictions, notably Florida and Kentucky. This is likely due partly to the increased use of PDMPs. This report lists selected research studies, evaluations, surveys, reports, and data that suggest PDMPs are effective in improving medical care; reducing doctor shopping, inappropriate prescribing, drug diversion, and prescription fraud; and assist in drug investigations. 68 notes