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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Pain Management

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are state-run databases that collect data on controlled substances distributed in a state. The information from the databases is used to identify or deter prescription drug abuse and diversion. As of March 6, 2013, 44 states had working prescription monitoring programs with the capacity to receive and distribute controlled substance prescription information to prescribers, dispensers, or law enforcement (as defined in state statute). It is important to have a working relationship with the PDMP in your state as there are significant interstate differences in PDMP access, distribution, and utilization. States with operational programs include:

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are state-run databases that collect data on controlled substances distributed in a state. The information from the databases is used to identify or deter prescription drug abuse and diversion. As of March 6, 2013, 44 states had working prescription monitoring programs with the capacity to receive and distribute controlled substance prescription information to prescribers, dispensers, or law enforcement (as defined in state statute). It is important to have a working relationship with the PDMP in your state as there are significant interstate differences in PDMP access, distribution, and utilization. States with operational programs include:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

 
United States map showing states that have and don't have prescription drug monitoring programs. States with presciption drug monitoring programs are listed above.
 

Visit the Office of Diversion Control Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  for information from the Drug Enforcement Administration about prescription drug monitoring programs.

PDMP Purpose:

  1. Support access to legitimate medical use of controlled substances
  2. Identify, deter, or prevent drug abuse and diversion
  3. Facilitate the identification of persons addicted to prescription drugs,
  4. Educate individuals about PDMPs and the use, abuse and diversion of and addiction to prescription drugs.

Suggested Links

Office of National Drug Control Policy Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov