PDMP: From Data Collection to Meaningful Action

PDMP's:  Transitioning from data collection to action

There has been a lot of discussion regarding Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) lately and the steps that states (other than Missouri) are taking to implement programs and collect prescription data.  This is a great step in the right direction and we at PRIUM believe that data collection is instrumental in addressing the opioid epidemic.  But this is only the first step and almost every state has a long way to go.  In order for participants in the workers' compensation system to make a difference, stakeholders are going to need to push state legislatures to demand action in relation to the data being collected.

Kentucky is moving in the right direction.  Kentucky is one of only four states in the country that have a requirement for physicians to consult the PDMP prior to writing certain prescriptions (NY, TN, and MA are the others).  The state is also using that data to identify providers that may be improperly prescribing.  So far, 46 providers have been identified and reported to the KY Medical Board, resulting in 23 sanctions.

Washington State is sharing PDMP data with the Department of Labor and Industries to inform claims managers and assist in appropriate treatment.  They have initiated an Early Opioid Intervention Pilot with the goal of identifying injured workers' who were being prescribed opioids prior to their workplace injury.  3-4% of new claims each month are falling into this category, representing between 350-500 new claims each month.

Additionally, last July, the Dept. of L&I used data collected through the state PDMP to inform and give insight to the update of their Opioid Guidelines.

Kentucky and Washington have begun the conversion from mere data collection to meaningful action, and both States are reporting significant positive results from their efforts.

Which states will be next?

Michael
On Twitter @PRIUM1