Online CME, Massachusetts Medical Society, “Identifying Drug Dependence” (FREE)
Utilizing MassPAT
Massachusetts law requires that physicians
must utilize the prescription-monitoring program prior to prescribing
to a patient each time: a narcotic drug in Schedule II or III,
and/or a benzodiazepine; OR any controlled substance in Scheduled IV
or V which the Department has designated in guidance as a drug that is commonly
abused and may lead to dependence. Gabapentin has been designated as an
additional drug for the purposes of reporting to the PMP.
MassPAT
E-Prescribing
The use of
e-prescribing can reduce the risk of lost, stolen or forged prescriptions. An
enrollment and security process must be completed to be an e-prescriber of
controlled substances. The 2018
Massachusetts opioid legislation requires that all prescribers
convert to secure electronic prescriptions (including Schedule II drugs) by
2020.
Learn more about e-prescribing for
your practice to help facilitate and safe guard prescribing.
Drug Enforcement Agency, Diversion Control Division
Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (EPCS) Q&A
What everyone should know about safe storage and disposal of medication
Providers should educate patients and families about safe storage and instruct them about proper disposal of medications. If a medication is no longer being used it should be disposed of through a drug take back program or by following proper disposal instructions.
Learn about Safe Storage and Disposal
