Pennsylvania Legislators Consider Bill to Establish Expanded State PMP

Aimed to reduce prescription drug abuse and diversion, legislation that would establish an expanded PMP in Pennsylvania is under consideration by state lawmakers. House Bill 317, introduced by state Representative Gene DiGirolamo, would establish the Pharmaceutical Accountability Monitoring System (PAMS) for tracking prescription controlled substance (CS) medications dispensed in the state. PAMS is intended to provide prescribers with CS prescription data to assist in treatment decisions, to help identify and prevent potential misuse or abuse, and to help prevent doctor shopping. Under the bill, prescribers and dispensers would be required to register with PAMS, and they would be authorized to query the data for an existing patient. The state’s current PMP only tracks Schedule II prescription data, and the data may only be accessed by law enforcement personnel. HB 317 is currently with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, reports the Observer Reporter.