General Overview of the PMP
New York State Official Prescription Program and Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)
Overview
·  History: In 1972, the New York State Legislature created the triplicate prescription program enabling the implementation of a patient prescription database. This database was to be used to investigate possible drug diversion. In 2001, the triplicate form was replaced by a single-part official prescription form, requiring pharmacies to report controlled substance data electronically. An additional change in 2006 requires all written prescriptions (both controlled as well as non-controlled substances) to be prescribed using the official prescription form and expanded the controlled substances that are monitored by New York’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).
·  Goal: The PMP in New York allows for accessibility for the legitimate medical use of controlled substances and provides for the detection and prevention of drug abuse and drug trafficking.
·  State Monitoring Authority: New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.
·  Stakeholder Input: Includes ongoing discussions with groups such as medical and pharmacy associations across the state, as well as patient advocacy groups.
·  Drugs Monitored: Schedules II-V
Purpose of (State X’s) PMP/ Key Functions
The key functions of the New York PMP are prevention, intervention, investigative and education regarding the legitimate medical uses of controlled substances.
Operational Details of New York State PMP
Data Collection
New York State requires prescribers to use a secure, serialized prescription form with special features that prevent color copying or scanning and chemical alterations. The official prescription also contains a pharmacy test area containing friction-activated ink that helps a pharmacist to determine if the prescription is counterfeit. Dispensers (those pharmacies and practitioners who dispense controlled substances directly to patients) utilize an on-line web portal to report controlled substance prescriptions.
These methods provide for efficient and effective investigation of suspected fraudulent and/or counterfeit uses of controlled substance prescriptions.
Access to Monitored Data and Confidentiality
Access to prescription monitoring data is restricted to (1) staff working for the State Health Department’s Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, (2) a judicial subpoena ordered by the court for a criminal investigation or proceeding and (3) regulatory agency/regulatory board with oversight for medical professions that prescribe, dispense or administers medication.
Plans are underway to enhance the PMP program to include the dissemination of unsolicited threshold reports to physicians by the end of 2006.
The New York PMP has, in the past, analyzed prescription data to determine increases/decreases in prescribing patterns of specific drugs; identify prescribers and what drugs are prescribed; drug information on doctor shoppers; support educational program/resources regarding public health matters and for intervention and investigative uses.
Education and Awareness Activities
The provision of education is a top priority of the New York PMP. Bureau staff complete training on effective and appropriate ways to respond to requests for referral and/or assistance in locating community treatment resources. In addition, to support the creation and dissemination of the unsolicited threshold reports, the PMP plans to provide funding to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) to implement a centralized, toll-free helpline that practitioners will be able to call to discuss patient cases and receive assistance in identifying pain management specialists and treatment providers in their community.
Access to Addiction Treatment
The New York PMP is familiar with the addiction treatment system in New York State and is discussing a formal linkage with OASAS. The PMP also works closely with the New York State Department of Education Professional Assistance Program.