What is a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP)?
A PDMP is an electronic database which collects designated data on substances dispensed. The PDMP is housed by a specified regulatory, administrative or law enforcement agency. The housing agency distributes data from the database to individuals who are authorized under law to receive the information for purposes of their profession.
What is the purpose of a PDMP?
A Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) monitors the prescribing and dispensing of schedule II-IV controlled substances to assist in the identification and prevention of prescription drug misuse and abuse.
What are the benefits of having a PDMP?
A PDMP is a tool used to address prescription drug abuse, addiction and diversion, it may serve several purposes such as:
- support access to legitimate medical use of controlled substances,
- identify and deter or prevent drug abuse and diversion,
- facilitate and encourage the identification, intervention with and treatment of persons addicted to prescription drugs,
- inform public health initiatives through outlining of use and abuse trends, and
- educate individuals about PDMPs and the use, abuse and diversion of and addiction to prescription drugs.
Does my county or city have a PDMP?
The DPH PDMP website, www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/PDMP, contains a list and links to all available ordinances for subscribing counties.
Didn't the Governor sign an executive order for a PDMP?
The system potentially being established by the State of Missouri has a very different focus, target audience, and process, and it is currently unknown what the impact might be on opiate addiction across the state. Data consistently shows that the overwhelming majority of prescribers are not in violation of the law in their prescribing, and enforcement efforts will have a limited impact. Some statewide programs in the 1990’s attempted to focus on providers as the source of opiate addiction and all have failed to produce reductions in the opioid crisis. These systems were replaced with PDMPs that provide information at the point of care. The focus on a few providers that may be engaged in illegal activities does not address the needs of the majority of providers intent on quality patient care who need information and resources.
Where can we get more information?
For more information, contact your local county or city health department to determine if a local PDMP is being considered.
You may also contact the DPH PDMP Coordinator at PDMP.DPH@stlouisco.com or visit www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/PDMPwww.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/PDMP.
You may also contact the DPH PDMP Coordinator at PDMP.DPH@stlouisco.com or visit www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/PDMPwww.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/PDMP.