Resource Library
Publication
March 15, 2019
Standardizing a Process for PDMP Data Requests by Researchers
The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, particularly opioids, continue to contribute in epidemic proportions to fatal and nonfatal overdoses across the country. Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data have long been recognized as a valuable source of information to help address prescription drug misuse, diversion, fraud, and overdoses. Some PDMP administrators have utilized the information to enhance public health and public safety interventions, conduct epidemiological analyses, and study the impact of PDMP policies and practices. However, the use of PDMP information for research and evaluation purposes by academic researchers has been limited. As states and local communities implement initiatives to address prescription drug abuse, misuse, and overdoses, requests for PDMP data by researchers are expected to rise.