Prescription Monitoring Program: Connect to "PMPnow" Through EHRs

July 19, 2018

MEMORANDUM

Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program: Connect to “PMPnow” Through EHRs

Legislation amending the Illinois Controlled Substance Act, effective January 1 this year, requires the integration of all electronic health record (EHR) systems with the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).

While the deadline for integration is January 1, 2021, the State urges hospitals and health systems to start the process now to:

  • Minimize the costs of integration; and
  • Save time for physicians and pharmacists using the system.

Illinois’ PMP collects information on controlled substance prescriptions, giving prescribers and dispensers access to their patients’ prescription histories. The database is an important quality improvement tool, particularly as we look for ways to address Illinois’ opioid epidemic.

The State’s “PMPnow” service incorporates database information directly into EHR systems.

  • It saves physicians and pharmacists time by no longer requiring a login as the PMP website does.
  • It retrieves requested information 5-6 times faster than searching online.
  • It may be used to demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services—pending federal approval.

So far, over 100 Illinois hospitals have current or pending connections with PMPnow. For those organizations that have not yet connected, state officials have noted that federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is only guaranteed through August 2019.

While there is no subscription fee for PMPnow, there may be costs associated with connecting if you need assistance from your EHR vendor. There may be additional assistance available pending federal approval.

On average, it can take two to four weeks to complete the integration with PMPnow. In some cases, it has taken only one day. For questions about PMPnow or to set up your connection, please contact Andrew Hollo, PMP Executive 1, at Andrew.Hollo@Illinois.gov or 217-524-3702.

If you have any other questions, please contact Helga Brake, Vice President, Quality, Safety, and Health Policy.