Task Force of Physicians Encourages Use of PMPs to Help Protect Patients From Prescription Drug Abuse

In response to the prescription opioid abuse epidemic, a task force of physician groups is urging physicians to register for and use prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) as part of the decision-making process when considering treatment options. The American Medical Association (AMA) Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse will focus on identifying best practices to combat prescription opioid abuse, and seeks “to significantly enhance physicians’ education on safe, effective and evidence-based prescribing,” indicates an AMA press release. The AMA is also one of 17 organizations, along with NABP, to participate in a coalition of stakeholders that meet to discuss the challenges related to prescribing and dispensing controlled substance prescriptions and how to address “red flag” warning signs of potential misuse or abuse. The stakeholders’ consensus documents are available under Position Papers in the Members section of the NABP website.