Iowa's Prescription Monitoring Program

Iowa’s Prescription Monitoring Program can help you safely prescribe opioids and other controlled substances.

As a healthcare provider, you want to keep patients safe from opioids and other controlled substances. Iowa's Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) can help you identify patients who may be misusing prescription medications, including opioids.

With Iowa's PMP, you can quickly get your patients' prescription information to help you decide the right treatment for them. Not only does the PMP give you peace of mind, it can help you provide even better patient care. 

How does Iowa’s Prescription Monitoring Program help you improve patient safety?

Iowa’s PMP helps you:

• Identify your patients who are getting opioids and other controlled substances from multiple providers.
• Calculate the total amount of controlled substances your patients are getting.
• Identify patients who are being prescribed other controlled substances that may increase their risk of overdose.\

When should you use Iowa's Prescription Monitoring Program?

It’s recommended you check Iowa’s PMP before prescribing opioids or other controlled substances to any patient. There you’ll find information from all states that use a prescription monitoring program and have agreed to share information with Iowa.

What should you do if you think a patient is misusing controlled substances?

First, don’t stop providing care. Instead:

• Make sure the information is correct. Check with the dispensing pharmacy for data entry errors, use of a nickname or maiden name, or possible identity theft to get prescriptions.
• Check for possible misuse or abuse with a tool like the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST).
• Partner with a treatment provider when needed.
• Talk to your patient about your concerns for their safety.
• Listen non-judgmentally.
• Encourage appropriate professional help.
• Talk to them about naloxone.
• Mention alternatives to pain management, including physical therapy and exercise.
• Consider having them sign a formal pain contract.

What else should you know about Iowa’s Prescription Monitoring Program?

• The PMP includes records of all Schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substance prescriptions dispensed to patients by Iowa pharmacies and dispensing prescribers.
• Records of prescriptions for, and administrations of, opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, are also included.
• Information and records are kept in the PMP for at least four (4) years.
• You may allow an unlimited number of delegates or agents (non-prescribing registered healthcare professionals in your practice whom you designate to access the PMP) to register under your supervision.
• Iowa’s Prescription Monitoring Program can connect with your clinic/hospital EHR/EMR software. Contact the Iowa Board of Pharmacy at PMP@Iowa.gov for more information.