DEA Practitioners Manual: Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)
The Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), also known as the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), is a tool run by individual states to keep track of prescription information. This is particularly geared toward monitoring controlled substances. Here's a breakdown of key points:
- Data Collection: PMPs collect, monitor, and analyze data that is electronically submitted by pharmacies and, in some instances, by practitioners who dispense medications. This includes details about what medications are prescribed and dispensed, and to whom.
- Access Control: Access to this data is controlled by state law. Usually, practitioners and pharmacists are allowed to access PMP information related to their patients or customers.
- Purpose: The main goal of PMPs is to assist in making proper prescribing and dispensing decisions. The data can be used to identify red flags such as potential "doctor shopping," where a patient seeks multiple prescriptions from different doctors, or attempts to secure prescriptions through fraud, forgery, or deceit.
- Additional Usage: Beyond assisting pharmacists and healthcare providers in real-time decision-making, PMP data is often used for educational purposes. This includes the development of medical education programs aimed at raising awareness among practitioners and pharmacists about the issues of drug diversion, prescription drug abuse, and emerging drug trends.
- DEA Endorsement: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) strongly supports the use of PMPs as an effective tool for monitoring and controlling the distribution of controlled substances.
Overall, PMPs serve as a robust system that helps practitioners, pharmacists, and other authorized parties to monitor prescription drug use, thereby assisting in the prevention of abuse and ensuring proper medical use.
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