Evidence is accumulating that prescription monitoring programs (PDMPs) are effective in promoting safe prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances and in reducing their diversion and misuse; see the COE briefing on PMP effectiveness. However, PDMPs can become more effective by adopting recognized best practices in collecting, analyzing and reporting prescription information.

Linked below are a major COE report on PDMP best practices with three accompanying press releases, and a shorter summary of 8 best practices and their rationales.

• Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs: An Assessment of the Evidence for Best Practices Comprehensive report on best practices that will contribute to increasing PMP impact and effectiveness.

• Press Release by Operation Unite announcing publication of Brandeis Report on Best Practices.

• Press Release by Pew Charitable Trusts announcing publication of Brandeis Report on Best Practices.

• Press Release by the American Insurance Association announcing publication of Brandeis Report on Best Practices.

• PMP Center of Excellence Briefing: Best Practices for Prescription Monitoring Programs: An overview of some key best practices that will contribute to increasing PMP impact and effectiveness.