title: Evolution and convergence of state laws governing controlled substance prescription monitoring programs, 1998-2011.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to collect and characterize all laws governing the operation of prescription monitoring programs (PMPs), state-level databases that collect patient-specific prescription information, which have been suggested as a tool for reducing prescription drug overdose fatalities.
  
  
  METHODS
  We utilized a structured legal research protocol to systematically identify, review, and code all PMP statutes and regulations effective from 1998 through 2011. These laws were then abstracted along eleven domains, including reporting provisions, data sharing, and data access.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PMP characteristics vary greatly among states and across time. We observed an increase in the types and frequency of data required to be reported, the types of individuals permitted to access PMP data, and the percentage of PMPs authorized to proactively identify outlier prescribers and patients. As of 2011, 10 states required PMPs to report suspicious activity to law enforcement, while only 3 required reporting to the patient's physician. None required linkage to drug treatment or required all prescribers to review PMP data before prescribing. Few explicitly address data retention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  State PMP laws are heterogeneous and evolving. Future studies of PMP effectiveness should take these variations into account.
authors.affiliation: Corey S. Davis is with the Network for Public Health Law, Southeastern Region, Carrboro, North Carolina. Matthew Pierce is with the Health Law and Justice Program, American University Washington College of Law, Washington, DC. Nabarun Dasgupta is with the Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
authors.forename: Corey S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pierce
authors.forename: Nabarun
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dasgupta
mesh_terms: D061891:Controlled Substances; D006801:Humans; D007880:Legislation, Drug / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013219:State Government; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D061891:Controlled Substances; D055553:Prescription Drugs