Healthcare
5
min read

How Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Help Caregivers

Explore how PDMPs aid caregivers in safely managing prescriptions, preventing misuse, and ensuring medication safety.
Published on
March 12, 2024
Written by
Katie Wilkinson
Katie Wilkinson
Reviewed by
Katie Wilkinson
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Presented by Givers
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Key Takeaways

Managing a dozen prescriptions or more can become confusing. Add the dangers of an overdose, addiction, or drug interaction! Thankfully, family caregivers have a valuable tool—Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP). PDMPs revolutionize the way caregivers manage controlled prescription drugs. These state-run electronic databases track and monitor prescription drugs, providing healthcare providers, pharmacists, and family caregivers with important information to promote safe use. In this day and age, PDMPs fight against prescription drug abuse and addiction

What are Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs?

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are state-run electronic databases that track the prescribing and dispensing controlled prescription drugs to patients. These programs are designed to help improve public health and safety by reducing the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. 

Purpose and impact of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

The primary goal of PDMPs is to identify and deter prescription drug misuse and abuse while ensuring that patients have access to safe, effective pain management. They track information like who prescribed medication, which pharmacy filled it, the dose and quantity, and the patient to whom it was prescribed. They help healthcare providers and pharmacists make informed prescribing and dispensing decisions and promote the appropriate use of medications. 

Studies have shown that PDMPs can be effective in reducing the overprescribing of opioids and other controlled substances, reducing "doctor shopping" (where a patient visits multiple providers to obtain prescriptions for the same or similar drugs), and increasing the use of treatment for addiction.

How PDMPs work

PDMPs collect, analyze, and monitor electronically transmitted prescribing and dispensing data submitted by pharmacies and dispensing practitioners. These data typically include information on the drug prescribed, the quantity, the prescribing healthcare provider, and the patient receiving the prescription.

Access to PDMP information is usually limited to healthcare providers, pharmacists, and, in some cases, law enforcement agencies. Healthcare providers can use PDMPs to review a patient's prescription history before prescribing controlled substances, helping to identify potential drug-seeking behaviors or dangerous combinations of medications that could lead to overdose or other adverse effects.

Prescription drug monitoring programs in all 50 states

While the specifics can vary, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories have implemented PDMPs. The reporting requirements and the scope of drugs monitored can differ significantly from one state to another.

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Family caregiving and PDMPs

Caregivers must work hard to keep track of multiple prescribed medications and when they are refilled. PDMPs create a centralized record, facilitating better coordination of refills and medications. 

Some states provide mechanisms for patients to request their PDMP reports or to check their prescription drug history for accuracy and to ensure their privacy and security.

For family caregivers, accessing Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data is somewhat more complex due to privacy laws and regulations, particularly the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These regulations generally restrict access to a patient's health information, including prescription records, without explicit consent from the patient. 

Here's a general overview regarding PDMP access for family caregivers:

  1. Direct access: Typically, family caregivers cannot directly access a patient's PDMP information without authorization. PDMPs are designed to protect patient privacy, and access is usually limited to healthcare providers, pharmacists, and, under specific circumstances, law enforcement officials.
  2. Patient consent: For a family caregiver to access someone else's PDMP information, the patient would likely need to provide explicit consent. This might involve the patient authorizing the caregiver to receive this information or including the caregiver as a personal representative under HIPAA, which allows them certain rights to access the patient's health information.
  3. Healthcare provider involvement: In practical terms, the most straightforward way for a family caregiver to understand a patient's prescription history might be through open communication with the patient's healthcare provider, assuming the patient has given consent for their health information to be shared with the caregiver. The healthcare provider can access the PDMP and might share relevant information with the caregiver as part of the patient's care team within the bounds of privacy laws.
  4. State-specific regulations: Because PDMPs are state-run programs, the specifics regarding access can vary significantly from one state to another. Check the regulations in your state to understand what options might be available for caregivers.
  5. Purpose of access: It's worth noting that the primary purpose of PDMPs is to assist in preventing prescription drug abuse and ensuring the safe prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. Any access provided to family caregivers would support patient care and safety.

The best course of action is often to work closely with your care recipient's healthcare providers. Ensure the patient provides the necessary consent for you to discuss their care and potentially access relevant prescription information indirectly through their medical team.

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Law enforcement and Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Law enforcement officials can obtain prescription drug investigation reports from their state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). These reports include patient reports, prescriber/dispenser reports, peer comparison reports, drug-specific reports, and geographical reports. 

These reports can be used for various law enforcement purposes, such as identifying fraudulent prescriptions, investigating unlawful prescribing or dispensing, and detecting insurance fraud. Law enforcement officials must follow legal processes and access guidelines to obtain such information.

Moving forward, all parties should advocate for caregiver education on utilizing PDMP data and standards protecting patient privacy. With the right approach, PDMPs lessen the medication management burdens faced by family caregivers. Instead of stressing over prescription misuse or interactions, caregivers can focus on their loved ones.

Education and PDMPs

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) have been found to improve patient outcomes. However, not all states enforce the requirement to use these programs. A study conducted in Minnesota found that 4 in 10 opioid prescribers did not search PDMP before prescribing, and 3 in 10 did not even have an account. This can lead to unsafe opioid prescribing practices, as the PDMP provides essential information to prescribers about a patient's medication history. 

The study revealed that a need for more information about state requirements drove the non-use of PDMP. Other factors included beliefs that these rules are not enforced and the perceived costs of accessing the PDMP. By addressing these factors that limit PDMP use, policymakers can help promote safer prescribing practices. Educating medical professionals and family caregivers will protect loved ones and reduce overdoses.

PDMPs empower family caregivers

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs offer a meaningful way to address the ongoing opioid epidemic and enhance safe medication use overall. For family caregivers, these programs provide oversight and insight that empowers them to manage complex prescription regimens better. 

With continued development and advocacy, PDMPs can be invaluable support for caregivers in carrying out their vital roles. Their benefits warrant increased attention to responsibly maximizing PDMP utility for family caregivers through education, standards, and technology integration while upholding patient privacy.

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