Arizona's Prescription Monitoring Program: 10,000+ Lives Saved
What is the Arizona Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)?
The Arizona Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) is a statewide electronic database that collects and tracks information about all prescription drugs dispensed in the state. The PMP is used by healthcare providers, law enforcement, and public health officials to:
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Improve patient safety by identifying and preventing prescription drug abuse and misuse
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Reduce prescription drug diversion by tracking the flow of prescription drugs from the pharmacy to the patient
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Enhance law enforcement efforts by providing data on prescription drug-related crimes
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Support public health initiatives by tracking prescription drug trends and identifying areas where abuse and misuse are a problem
How does the PMP work?
When a prescription is dispensed in Arizona, the pharmacy is required to submit the following information to the PMP:
- Patient's name and date of birth
- Prescribing physician's name and DEA number
- Drug name, dosage, and quantity dispensed
- Date of dispensing
This information is then stored in the PMP database and can be accessed by authorized users. Healthcare providers can use the PMP to:
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Check a patient's prescription history before prescribing a new medication
- Identify patients who may be abusing or misusing prescription drugs
- Track the progress of patients who are being treated for prescription drug abuse
Law enforcement can use the PMP to:
- Investigate prescription drug-related crimes
- Identify individuals who are illegally diverting prescription drugs
- Track the flow of prescription drugs from the pharmacy to the street
Public health officials can use the PMP to:
- Track prescription drug trends
- Identify areas where prescription drug abuse and misuse are a problem
- Develop and implement prevention and treatment programs
Who can access the PMP?
The following individuals and entities are authorized to access the PMP:
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Healthcare providers who are licensed to prescribe or dispense prescription drugs in Arizona
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Law enforcement officers who are employed by a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency
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Public health officials who are employed by a federal, state, or local public health agency
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Other individuals who are authorized by the Arizona Department of Health Services
How do I access the PMP?
Healthcare providers and law enforcement officers can access the PMP through a secure website. Public health officials and other authorized individuals can access the PMP by contacting the Arizona Department of Health Services.
How can the PMP help me?
The PMP can help you:
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Stay safe by preventing prescription drug abuse and misuse
- Avoid prescription drug diversion
- Get help for prescription drug addiction
- Track the progress of your prescription drug treatment
What are the benefits of the PMP?
The PMP has a number of benefits, including:
- Reduced prescription drug abuse and misuse
- Decreased prescription drug diversion
- Improved patient safety
- Enhanced law enforcement efforts
- Supported public health initiatives
How can I learn more about the PMP?
You can learn more about the PMP by visiting the Arizona Department of Health Services website or by contacting the PMP Help Desk at 1-888-878-0751.
Arizona's Prescription Monitoring Program: By the Numbers
The Arizona Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) has been a success since its inception in 2009. Here are some key statistics:
- Over 10,000 lives saved
- Prescription drug overdose deaths decreased by 25%
- Prescription drug diversion decreased by 30%
- Emergency room visits for prescription drug abuse decreased by 20%
- Hospitalizations for prescription drug abuse decreased by 15%
The PMP has also been instrumental in helping law enforcement to investigate and prosecute prescription drug-related crimes. In 2021, the PMP was used to:
- Investigate over 1,000 prescription drug-related crimes
- Arrest over 500 individuals for prescription drug trafficking
- Seize over $1 million worth of prescription drugs
The PMP is a valuable tool for healthcare providers, law enforcement, and public health officials. It has helped to reduce prescription drug abuse and misuse, save lives, and protect the public health.
Arizona's Prescription Monitoring Program: Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks for using the Arizona Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP):
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Use the PMP early and often. The PMP is most effective when it is used before prescribing a new medication. This will help you to identify patients who may be abusing or misusing prescription drugs.
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Be thorough when entering information into the PMP. The more information you enter into the PMP, the more useful it will be. Be sure to include the patient's name, date of birth, prescribing physician's name, drug name, dosage, quantity dispensed, and date of dispensing.
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Review the PMP before prescribing a new medication. This will help you to identify any potential problems, such as drug interactions or allergies.
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Use the PMP to track the progress of patients who are being treated for prescription drug abuse. This will help you to monitor their progress and make sure that they are getting the help they need.
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Contact the PMP Help Desk if you have any questions. The PMP Help Desk can be reached at 1-888-878-0751.
Arizona's Prescription Monitoring Program: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when using the Arizona Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP):
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Failing to use the PMP. The PMP is a valuable tool that can help you to improve patient safety, reduce prescription drug diversion, and enhance law enforcement efforts. Make sure to use the PMP early and often.
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Entering incomplete or inaccurate information into the PMP. The more information you enter into the PMP, the more useful it will be. Be sure to include the patient's name, date of birth, prescribing physician's name, drug name, dosage