Implementation Grant for Missouri's Statewide PDMP

This proposal is for funding to support the implementation of Missouri’s first statewide prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP).

The Joint Oversight Task Force for Prescription Drug Monitoring (JOTF) created through Senate Bill 63, will select a PDMP vendor through a competitive bid process.  Once selected, the JOTF will utilize funding from this grant to train/educate prescribers and dispensers throughout the state on the processes involved to submit data and be compliant with Missouri law. This will require numerous communication strategies including online training opportunities, webinars and travel to in-person events to ensure familiarity and knowledge of the system and the state requirements.  Technical assistance to ensure access to the PDMP will also be a component of this grant-funded outreach.

The statewide PDMP will benefit all Missourians. Patients will benefit through the knowledge gained by prescribers that utilize the PDMP prior to making prescriptive decisions.  Reviewing PDMP data will prevent life-threatening controlled substance interactions that pose a risk for patients utilizing more than one provider.  PDMP data will identify at-risk patients and allow prescribers to refer individuals for treatment. Providers will benefit by having access to a greater view of the active controlled substance prescriptions on file for a patient. The availability of controlled substance information as an additional tool allows prescribers to safely deliver effective treatment while also increasing confidence in their prescribing decisions. Pharmacists benefit from PDMP data by providing information to help ensure patients have access to essential medications. PDMP data will allow pharmacists to identify candidates in need of additional pharmacist-initiated counseling or to initiate a conversation with a provider when questionable prescribing patterns are realized. PDMP data used appropriately by prescribers and dispensers aids law enforcement.  This benefit is realized when there is a reduction in the number of controlled substance prescriptions leading to fewer opportunities for diversion, misuse or overdose. 

Overall, the most anticipated outcome from the statewide PDMP will be the reduction in deaths from misuse of controlled substances.  Data reports will allow providers to more fully understand their prescribing habits and offer opportunities for comparison with peers.  Dispensers will identify opportunities to assist or educate patients/prescribers and they will have the ability to stop the dispensing of an unsafe prescription.