- Published: Monday, April 05, 2021 08:26 AM
SPRINGFIELD – Every medication prescriber, including e-prescribers, will have access to the same database in an effort to reduce opioid abuse, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) that was signed into law today.
“Every prescriber will now have access to the prescription database, so they can now see which patients receive medications and when they received them,” Bush said. “Knowing when a patient last received a medication will minimize overprescribing.”
The Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program collects information on controlled substance prescriptions dispensed in Illinois. The PMP website allows prescribers and dispensers to view a current or prospective patient's prescription history. The ultimate goal of the PMP is to assist prescribers and dispensers in the effective treatment of patients seeking medical care.
House Bill 2488 of the 101st General Assembly ensures that every person who has prescribing authority has access to the PMP.
“This is the necessary step to fight the ongoing opioid crisis,” Bush said. “It’s my job to protect the people of Illinois, and I won’t stop until this crisis has ended.”
The law takes effect immediately.