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Apr 2020
The Texas PMP mandate is here. What does that mean for you?
Take note, physicians. The Texas Prescription Monitoring Program mandate took effect March 1.
All Texas prescribers are required by state law to check the PMP before prescribing opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or carisoprodol — every patient, every time. To comply with the mandate, physicians must document in the patient’s medical record that they checked the PMP, noting how the information influenced prescribing decisions.
The mandate applies only to outpatient and discharge prescriptions. Therefore, prescribers are not required to check the PMP before ordering controlled substances in the inpatient setting. Additionally, patients diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell anemia, or who are terminally ill under hospice care, are exempt. The prescriber must clearly note in the prescription record that the patient has this diagnosis or that the patient is receiving hospice care.
The consequences of failing to comply with the mandate will be determined by the Texas Medical Board based on existing policies for mishandling prescribing controlled substances.
The Texas PMP collects and monitors outpatient prescription data for controlled substances dispensed by a pharmacy in Texas. It is a patient care tool used to inform prescribing practices and to address prescription drug misuse, diversion, and overdose.
The PMP can help end the opioid crisis, but it only works when we use it.
