Interstate PMP Data Sharing through NABP PMP InterConnect Is Now a Reality

Two PMPs Already Using National System for Tracking Drug Abuse & Diversion

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., Aug. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) is pleased to announce that the NABP PMP InterConnect is now fully operational, providing state prescription monitoring program (PMP) users with an advanced tool for reducing prescription drug abuse and doctor shopping. NABP's PMP InterConnect is the first and only successful system that facilitates the sharing of data between state PMPs, a key element for early detection, intervention, and prevention of substance abuse and diversion of controlled substances.

Seamlessly integrated, the PMP InterConnect enables authorized users to request data from other states as easily as if they are requesting it from their own state's program. This interoperability addresses what was identified as one of the major impediments to the effectiveness of these programs: the inability to connect and share information between PMPs.

The PMPs in Ohio and Indiana have already begun deploying PMP InterConnect to select groups of users, who are now able to securely exchange prescription data between the two participating states. These programs are rolling out access within their states gradually as they fine tune their internal operations for the expected increase in usage of the systems as a result of these new capabilities, but soon all authorized users in those states will have the ability to request prescription data from the participating programs.

"The problem of prescription drug abuse and diversion has become very serious in the last few years and is an acute threat to the health and safety of the American public," says Malcolm J. Broussard, RPh, NABP president. "While many states have adopted and operated PMPs in an attempt to counter this problem, the inability to share information about patients and prescribers between programs represented a serious obstacle to their effectiveness. NABP, in its role of assisting states in protecting the public health, has invested considerable time and resources to develop and deploy PMP InterConnect, a working solution that addresses this serious public health issue."

At the request of its member boards of pharmacy as well as state PMP administrators, in just seven months NABP and its technology provider, Appriss Inc, developed and deployed the necessary technology and security infrastructure for a system that connects state PMPs. Additional benefits the PMP InterConnect provides to participating PMPs are simplicity in participation, autonomy, and enforcement of state's access rules to the data, and required information security. A steering committee made up of representatives from participating programs will meet periodically to make policy and operating decisions, ensuring that PMP InterConnect continues to meet the needs of the state PMPs as well as its overall goal of protecting public health.

NABP believes that access to program information across state lines will significantly enhance the effectiveness of these programs and, therefore, has funded the development of the system and is making it available at no cost to any PMP program that wishes to participate. Additionally, NABP will cover all PMP InterConnect operation costs and state program participation costs for a minimum of five years to encourage rapid adoption of this capability across the United States.

In addition to Ohio and Indiana, Virginia's PMP is currently working with its internal information systems to maximize effectiveness of its communications structure and plans to go live with PMP InterConnect in the near future. NABP continues to work with other state PMPs to facilitate their participation in the PMP InterConnect. Based on current implementation time frames, authorized users of PMPs in Connecticut, Kansas, North Dakota, South Carolina, and West Virginia will be able to access data across state lines this fall. Since March, 15 states have agreed to participate in the program, and discussions are ongoing with a number of other states. NABP and Appriss worked closely with PMP software vendor Optimum Technology, Inc, to develop the appropriate interface for its clients in Indiana and Ohio, and NABP looks forward to working with the vendors and in-house technology staffs of future participants to make necessary system modifications to enable participation. NABP anticipates that approximately 30 states will be participating in PMP InterConnect in 2012.

NABP is the independent, international, and impartial Association that assists its member boards and jurisdictions in developing, implementing, and enforcing uniform standards for the purpose of protecting the public health.

SOURCE National Association of Boards of Pharmacy