Health Factors: Alcohol & Drug Use Decision Makers: Local Government State Government Federal Government Healthcare Professionals & Advocates Public Health Professionals & Advocates Evidence Rating: Some Evidence Population Reach: 1-9% of WI's population Impact on Disparities: No impact on disparities likely Is this program or policy in use in your community? Description Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are electronic databases, housed in state agencies, that track prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. Most states monitor drugs on Schedules II - IV of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s drug schedule; many also include drugs on Schedule V and other controlled substances. Schedule I drugs (e.g., heroin) are not included. Program Graphing Calculator Factor. PDMPs can be used by prescribers and pharmacists to view prescriptions written for and dispensed to individual patients, by law enforcement agencies to identify drug diversion or pill mills, or by state medical boards to identify potentially problematic prescribers. Drugs monitored, individuals authorized to use the system, functionality, and use varies from state to state ().

Expected Beneficial Outcomes Increased appropriate drug prescribing Reduced overdose deaths Reduced illicit drug use Increased substance use disorder treatment Evidence of Effectiveness There is some evidence that prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) reduce the amount and number of drugs prescribed, particularly opioids ( Fisher 2012a,, Simoni-Wastila 2012,, Rutkow 2015a). PDMPs can also reduce opioid overdose deaths ( Patrick 2016, Pardo 2017, Delcher 2015, ).