Improve Patient Safety With Opioid Prescribing Practices

11/16/2023

REMINDER: Check Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Database (PDMP)

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are state-run electronic databases that collect patient controlled-substance prescription information submitted by dispensers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Fact Sheet: “The PDMP will improve patient safety by allowing clinicians to:

  • Identify patients who are obtaining opioids from multiple providers.
  • Identify patients who are being prescribed other substances that may increase risk of opioids – such as benzodiazepines.
  • Calculate the total amount of opioids prescribed per day (MME/day).”

Prior to prescribing controlled substances, most prescribers are required to check their state’s PDMP database. Below are links to the PDMP websites for the states where most of our members reside. We have also included links for educational materials that can be referenced when prescribing controlled substances.

 New York
 Connecticut  Massachusetts

To learn about PDMPs, see these materials from the CDC:

Another helpful reference tool is the CDC’s Drug Overdose Fact Sheet.