NCJ Number
253036
Date Published
August 2018
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Information and data are reported for Vermont's prescription drug monitoring program named the Vermont Prescription Monitoring System (VPMS), which is administered by the state's Department of Health.
Abstract
The VPMS email address is provided, along with website addresses for the home page, enrollment, queries, data upload, and statistics. Contact information is provided for the Program Manager and the VPMS Analyst. Data for 2017 cover the state population (623,960), DEA registered prescribers (4,209), and DEA registered dispensers (153). VPMS available reports are listed. The 2018 VPMS funding source was the Evidence-Based Education and Advertising Fund. Staff numbers for 2018 cover the following job categories: operational (1), technical (0), analytical (2), and "other" (0). Key dates for VPMS development are enabling legislation (May 2006), becoming operational (January 2009), initiial user access (April 2009), on-line access (April 2009), and electronic reporting (January 2009). Source information is provided for statutes and rules relevant to VPMS policies and procedures. Frequency of reporting of monitored drugs prescribing is 24 hours or next business day. Monitored drugs are controlled substances in schedules II, III, and IV. Information is also required on the administration and dispensing of naloxone and marijuana. Miscellaneous capabilities and policies are listed. Requirements for patients to get reports on their monitored prescribed and dispensed drugs are noted. Enrollment in and use of the VPMS are required for both prescribers and dispensers of drugs. Law enforcement personnel must have a subpoena or a court order/approval to access a patient's drug-use data. All VPMS data are purged after 5 years. Training in the use of VPMS is available but not required for prescribers and dispensers. Technological capabilities noted pertain to data transmission methods; required data transmitters; data collection, storage, generation, and access; interstate data sharing; data integration; and patient matching. Reports authorized for production by requestor type are indicated.