Montana News: Proposed Prescription Monitoring Program in Montana

January 1, 2007 4:17 PM Topics: Prescription monitoring program

Reprinted from the January 2007 Montana Board of Pharmacy Newsletter.

The Board of Pharmacy is working in collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders to implement a prescription monitoring program (PMP) in Montana. A bill authorizing the establishment of a PMP and giving rule-making authority to the Board of Pharmacy will be presented to the Montana Legislature during the 2007 session.

A PMP utilizes a centralized database to collect and analyze CS prescription information that is submitted electronically by resident and nonresident pharmacies that fill prescriptions for Montana residents. Practitioners, pharmacists, licensing boards, law enforcement, and patients can request a report from the PMP, which lists all CS prescriptions filled for a patient during a specified time period including the prescriber and the pharmacy. A PMP is intended to be a source of information for practitioners and pharmacists in the care of their patients. A PMP is also a tool to help deter drug abuse and diversion. It is not intended to prevent patients from obtaining needed drugs.

Twenty-four states have implemented PMPs, nine states have enacted enabling legislation, and three states, including Montana, have PMP legislation pending. The Board of Pharmacy is applying for federal grant monies, which are available to assist states in establishing or enhancing PMPs. The PMP would be sustained by creating a CS registration fee paid by prescribers, dispensers, and distributors of CS.

Articles about the progress of the PMP will be published in future editions of this Newsletter. If you would like more information, please contact the Board of Pharmacy office at 406/841-2371.