Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System Criminal Investigation Initiative

FY 2022 Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

Federal Amount Requested: $1,350,000

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 proposed project seeks to promote collaboration among the Board, law enforcement, and prosecutors by funding four Board of Pharmacy Enforcement Agents (OARRS Agents) to conduct criminal investigations of drug diversion utilizing data from Ohio’s PDMP, OARRS.  The OARRS Agents will work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement with the goal of disrupting the supply of drugs diverted from the healthcare system.  OARRS Agents will be responsible for activities such as: analyzing OARRS data to identify potential violations of Ohio law, conducting investigations of healthcare providers, and providing training to state and local law enforcement on the use of OARRS for criminal investigations.

The following partners have agreed to support this project: RecoveryOhio, Ohio Attorney General, State Medical Board of Ohio, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Board of Nursing, National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, and the Trumbull Action Group Drug Task Force. 

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