Most states have adopted the routine use of a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) to curb overprescribing of opioids.  To determine the association of the mandatory use of a PDMP with the opioid prescribing practices for patients undergoing general surgery.


 New state legislation mandated the use of a PDMP and opioid risk-assessment tool for all patients receiving an outpatient opioid prescription in New Hampshire beginning January 1, 2017.  Change in opioid prescribing practices after January 1, 2017, and time to complete PDMP requirements.


 The mean number of opioid pills prescribed decreased from 30.8 to 24.0 (22.1%) in the 6 months prior to the mandatory PDMP requirement; the rate of decrease was actually less (from 22.8 to 21.9 pills [3.9%]) in the 6 months after the legislation.  A mandatory PDMP query requirement was not significantly associated with the overall rate of opioid prescribing or the mean number of pills prescribed for patients undergoing general surgical procedures.  A PDMP can be a useful adjunct in certain settings, but this study found that it did not have the intended effect in a population undergoing elective surgical procedures.  Legislative efforts to mandate PDMP use should be targeted to populations in which benefit can be demonstrated.
PDMP
The electronic medical prescribing system was modified to facilitate and support compliance with the new requirements.



the electronic medical prescribing system