The Maryland Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP): Legislative Changes Impacting Prescribers
Posted about 7 years ago by Elaine Crain
Dear Maryland Medical Professionals:
This notification is to provide you with important information about a legislative change impacting prescribers of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Effective July 1, 2018, Maryland law requires CDS prescribers and pharmacists to request and to assess data from the PDMP in certain prescribing and dispensing situations. The accompanying materials detail when you are required to check the PDMP and where exceptions exist – both clinical and technological – and how to appropriately document your actions. We anticipate no issues in access to PDMP. However, if you encounter any challenges, you should use reasonable clinical judgment in deciding whether to prescribe or dispense an opioid or benzodiazepine. Inability to view PDMP data would not legally prevent you from prescribing or dispensing.
Attached are the following documents, which have also been sent to your mailing address on file with the Office of Controlled Substances Administration.
Attachments:
- Letter from Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Secretary Neall
- Fact sheet explaining the PDMP Use Mandate for prescribers.
- Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for prescribing opioids
- Suicide risk assessment billing code fact sheet
FAQs and additional resources to assist prescribers and their delegates are available online at www.MarylandPDMP.org
You may also contact our PDMP Use Mandate Call Center, staffed by MedChi:
PHONE: During the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., please call 800-492-1056 X3324 or 410-878-9688 to speak with a staff member. If you call after hours or on weekends, please leave a message and a staff member will return your call within two (2) business days.
EMAIL: Please send an email to pdmp@medchi.org, and a staff member will reply within two (2) business days.
Thank you for your cooperation and compliance.