Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are state-run databases that track the dispensing of controlled prescription drugs. In healthcare, they are used to monitor and prevent prescription drug abuse and diversion.

The specific requirements and functions of PDMPs vary by state, but they typically include:

Collecting information on controlled substance prescriptions dispensed by pharmacies

Making this information available to authorized users, such as healthcare providers and law enforcement

Providing data analysis and reporting tools to identify potential prescription drug abuse and diversion

Helping healthcare providers make informed decisions about prescribing controlled substances

Assisting in preventing ““doctor shopping”” where individuals obtain multiple prescriptions from different providers.

Using PDMPs can help healthcare organizations improve patient safety, reduce prescription drug abuse, and promote better prescribing practices.