Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) and “pill mill” laws have been used to target risky opioid prescribing practices. A new CDC Injury Center study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence evaluates the effect of these policy changes on high-volume prescribing behaviors among providers in Florida.
In the year following PDMP and policy implementation, decreases were seen among high-volume prescribers in the number of patients with an opioid prescription, monthly total opioid volume, average morphine equivalent dosage dispensed and number of opioid prescriptions. Despite these decreases, opioid prescribing remained concentrated among high-volume prescribers, suggesting that payer/insurer initiatives and other policy changes that address risky prescribing practices are also needed to reduce opioid use, abuse and overdose.
As of July 1, California physicians are required to register for CURES, our state’s PDMD.
CURES 2.0 (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System) is a database of Schedule II, III and IV controlled substance prescriptions dispensed in California serving the public health, regulatory oversight agencies and law enforcement. CURES 2.0 is committed to the reduction of prescription drug abuse and diversion without affecting legitimate medical practice or patient care. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and confidentiality and disclosure provisions of California law cover the information contained in CURES 2.0. Access to CURES 2.0 is limited to licensed prescribers and licensed pharmacists strictly for patients in their direct care; and regulatory board staff and law enforcement personnel for official oversight or investigatory purposes.
If you have not yet registered for CURES, visit this website to begin the process.
