Prescription drug monitoring programs in the United States: A review of system characteristics and their impact on opioid-related harms

Abstract

For the last several decades, adults with chronic pain have increasingly relied on prescription opioids to find relief. The use of opioids to manage pain has led to rising opioid prescribing rates alongside opioid-related overdose deaths in the United States. However, long-term prescription opioid use presents serious risks to patients, such as the development of an opioid use disorder and/or an opioid-related overdose. Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are utilized as a means to combat opioid-related harms associated with the ongoing opioid crisis by tracking prescription medications at the state level. This study provides an overview of state and territory PDMP characteristics gathered from PDMP Technical Training Assistance Center (TTAC) profiles. Descriptions of state/territory characteristics include agencies that oversee the systems, data reporting frequency, data retention period, monitored substances, system training, prescriber and dispenser access, law enforcement access, licensing board access, and state mandates for use and enrollment. The goal of this research is to examine PDMP characteristics on a national level and provide evidence-based insight into the current strengths of these systems, as well as recommendations for how these systems can continue to improve in the future to reduce opioid prescribing rates and prevent opioid-related overdose deaths. Previous literature on PDMP characteristics is incorporated to develop suggestions for optimal use. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide an updated overview of important state/territory PDMP characteristics in the context of the contemporary opioid crisis.