Nonmedical use of prescription drugs is a serious public health concern in the U.S as CDC reports that drug overdose deaths where most involve prescription drugs, now exceed deaths from motor vehicle crashes.
Many states have established Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) to address the problem. PDMPs are statewide databases where pharmacists and dispensing providers submit data on controlled substances they have dispensed. Although PDMPs collect a considerable amount of important data, doctors and pharmacists very often do not use them because they are difficult to access.
The federal government is:
- Encouraging the development of abuse-deterrent opioid formulations and products that treat abuse and overdose
- Educating healthcare providers and the public about prescription drug abuse and overdose
- Developing, evaluating, and promoting programs and policies shown to prevent prescription drug abuse and overdose, while making sure patients have access to safe, effective pain treatment.
- Supporting efforts in the states by providing the science and resources to help states address the key drivers of the epidemic.
Some of the steps states are taking include:
- Integrating prescription drug monitoring programs such as electronic databases to track all prescriptions for opioids in the state and identify high-risk use of opioids
- Using medical claims data to identify improper prescribing of opioids
- Encouraging state licensing boards to take action against inappropriate prescribing
- Increasing access to substance abuse treatment
To further help remedy the problem, CDC estimates posting a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) on February 17, 2015. States that receive the funding must attack the problem on multiple fronts. Awardees must expand and enhance their state PDMP and implement health insurer or health system interventions. States may also choose to conduct policy evaluations or implement other prescribing innovations.
State government are eligible to apply for the estimated $55,600,000 in funding with applications due May 26, 2015
The contact for the forecasted FOA is Eric Gross at EUW9@cdc.gov or call 770-488-4398. The forecasted FOA (CDC-RFA-CE15-1501) is at www.acf.hhs.gov/hhsgrantsforecast.