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What Healthcare Providers Need to Know about PDMPs

What is a PDMP?

A prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) is an electronic database that tracks controlled substance prescriptions. PDMPs can help identify patients who may be misusing prescription opioids or other prescription drugs and who may be at risk for overdose.

Responsible Prescribing Can Save Lives

Clinical practice guidelines encourage use of the PDMP prior to prescribing to assess a patient’s history of controlled substance use.

It is possible to improve the way opioids are prescribed, reducing the number of people who misuse, abuse, or overdose from them, while making sure patients have access to safe, effective pain management.

Image showing that a prescription drug monitoring program communicates both ways with pharmacies, allows health care providers to obtain information. In addition, state insurance programs, healthcare licensure boards, state health departments, and law enforcement can also get information from the program.

Use PDMPs to Improve Patient Safety

PDMPs [PDF – 8 MB] can alert you to provide potentially lifesaving information and interventions. Take action to improve patient safety:

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