What is the purpose of the Indiana Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)?

What is the purpose of the Indiana Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)?

• A. To promote medication sales
• B. To assess healthcare providers
• C. To track prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances
• D. To educate patients about medications

Answer: (C)

The Indiana Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) serves a critical purpose in public health and safety by tracking the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. This program is designed to combat prescription drug abuse and ensure that medications are used safely and effectively. By monitoring prescriptions, the PDMP helps healthcare providers make informed decisions, identify potential misuse, and prevent "doctor shopping," which can lead to addiction. It serves as a valuable resource for pharmacists and physicians to check a patient’s prescription history, facilitating safer prescribing practices and enhancing patient care. While promoting medication sales, assessing healthcare providers, and educating patients are important aspects of the healthcare system, they are not the primary objectives of the PDMP. The main focus is strictly on monitoring and regulation of controlled substances to protect public health.

The Indiana Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) serves a critical purpose in public health and safety by tracking the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. This program is designed to combat prescription drug abuse and ensure that medications are used safely and effectively. By monitoring prescriptions, the PDMP helps healthcare providers make informed decisions, identify potential misuse, and prevent "doctor shopping," which can lead to addiction. It serves as a valuable resource for pharmacists and physicians to check a patient’s prescription history, facilitating safer prescribing practices and enhancing patient care.

While promoting medication sales, assessing healthcare providers, and educating patients are important aspects of the healthcare system, they are not the primary objectives of the PDMP. The main focus is strictly on monitoring and regulation of controlled substances to protect public health.