Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS) FY 2021 Data Enhancement and Integration Project

Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS) FY 2021 Data Enhancement and Integration Project

Federal Amount Requested: $1,498,455

Geographic Area: Ohio

One of the best tools available to prevent the diversion and abuse of controlled substance medications in Ohio is the state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP), known as the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS).  OARRS is a system developed to detect the diversion, abuse, and misuse of controlled substances.  OARRS is operated by the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy (Board). 

The enhance the system, the Board proposes the following objectives:

Decrease Controlled Substance Diversion by Continuing Efforts to Promote PDMP Integration. The Board will utilize project funding to promote adoption of integration of OARRS into electronic medical records and pharmacy dispensing systems.  This proposed project will specifically target areas in rural and exurban counties that have integration rates below the current county average.

Improving PDMP Data Quality. The Board will utilize project funding for staff to make improvements to patient data reported to OARRS.  This includes enhanced compliance with ICD-10 diagnosis codes and the reporting of race/ethnicity with prescription information.

Leveraging PDMP Data to Promote Responsible Naloxone Prescribing.  Naloxone (Narcan®) is a prescription medication that can reverse an overdose that is caused by an opioid drug. The Board is proposing the addition of a notification within OARRS to remind prescribers of the requirement to offer a naloxone prescription in accordance with the State Medical Board rules.

Improving PDMP Data Analysis Capacity. To improve the capacity to conduct remote analysis, the Board is proposing the purchase of a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).  Purchase of a VDI eliminates frequent disruptions experienced by OARRS staff when accessing secure data via the Board’s existing Virtual Private Network (VPN).  It will also provide for improved performance and efficiency of OARRS staff by eliminating lags currently experienced using the Board’s VPN.  

OARRS Virtual Trainings. The Board proposes the development of at least two new video-based trainings to provide foundational information on the use of OARRS.  One virtual training will be for healthcare providers and the other will be for law enforcement. 

The following partners have agreed to support this project: RecoveryOhio, State Medical Board of Ohio, Ohio Pharmacists Association, and University of Cincinnati Health System.

The Board of Pharmacy grants the Office of Justice Programs permission to share this project abstract with the public.