Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)

Current understanding

State-run electronic databases that track dispensing of controlled substance prescriptions, used by prescribers, pharmacists, and regulators to detect potential misuse and diversion. Federal agencies including the VA interact with PDMPs both as queriers (to review a patient’s prescription history) and as reporters (disclosing prescribing/dispensing data). Current federal activity centers on clarifying who may query PDMPs and mandating federal disclosure of prescribing information into state systems.

Evidence log

• 2024-12-18 — Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act: cross-connection with opioid-overdose-data-collection: Both concern federally-supported data infrastructure for tracking opioid-related events at the state and local level. (novelty: 2)
• 2026-05-20 — Expanding Access to State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs: cross-connection with drug-scheduling-controlled-substances: PDMPs monitor dispensing of Schedule II–V controlled substances defined under the CSA; VA disclosure and query rules directly implement CSA diversion-prevention goals. (novelty: 2)

Open questions

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