NABP PMP InterConnect Development Complete; PMPs Continue to Sign on to Participate in National System for Tracking Drug Abuse and Diversion

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National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

Jun 06, 2011, 05:45 ET

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of its continuing efforts to protect public health by reducing abuse, misuse, and diversion of prescription medications, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) has completed development of the NABP PMP InterConnect. NABP will now focus on working with participating state prescription monitoring program (PMP) administrators and their software vendors to finalize the software interface, so that PMP systems can efficiently and effectively communicate with the NABP InterConnect and facilitate interoperability among PMPs. Data sharing among states is an important part of early detection of prescription drug abuse and doctor shopping, to allow appropriate intervention and prevention of substance abuse and possible diversion of controlled substances.

Many state PMP administrators have already begun to use the NABP InterConnect by setting up their PMPs' access rules and populating the "rules engine" on the NABP InterConnect. The rules engine is the tool that gives states complete autonomy and control over how the NABP InterConnect will manage information requests to and from other participating states in the program.

Used only to facilitate the communications process, the NABP InterConnect will retain no prescription data and all PMP data will remain resident with the PMP. In addition, the interconnected communications hub will be housed in highly secure facilities, to maintain the confidentiality of this sensitive information.

To date, the PMPs in Connecticut, Indiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia have executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to participate in NABP InterConnect. Additionally, PMPs in Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, and Nevada intend to participate in NABP InterConnect and have MOUs in the final review stages. More than 12 other PMPs have also expressed their intent to participate in the program, but must first obtain clearer authority to share data across state lines, must procure software, complete development on their own PMP, or move the MOU further along in the review process. States that must enter into state-to-state MOUs by statute, regulation, or program policy, are still welcome to participate in NABP InterConnect.

Utilizing NABP's existing financial resources, the Association will cover the annual participation fees for all participating states for at least five years, and it is the Association's goal that states will never have to pay annual participation fees to participate in NABP InterConnect. NABP will work to offset costs associated with amendments to existing PMP software, which are needed to interface with the NABP InterConnect. In addition, NABP will cover all costs associated with the development and ongoing operation of the program. The NABP Foundation will also make available unrestricted educational grants available for those states needing additional assistance in enhancing their PMPs for this purpose. Those interested in obtaining more information on NABP InterConnect, should contact NABP Government Affairs staff at [email protected].

Other NABP health and safety programs include the VIPPS® (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) accreditation program, the Not Recommended list of online drug distributors, and the AWARxE consumer protection program. Recently, NABP commissioned task forces to address patient health and safety issues including the Controlled Substances Act, PMP program standards, electronic prescribing, prescription labels, and medication collection programs.

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