LAUSR

Results: The Commonwealth of PA mandate that physicians query the PDMP databank for controlled substances and the emphasis on ALTO for treating acute pain resulted in a significant reduction in the number of opiate prescriptions dispensed, the total number of doses dispensed and the MME dispensed. Total number of controlled prescriptions decreased from 5933 in the pre-PDMPmandatory querying period to 4739 post requirement and then to 3859 after provider education on ALTO (46% and 37% decrease respectively, total decrease 35%; p1⁄4 0.033). Total doses of opiates prescribed also decreased from72,284 to 51,950 and further to 39,561during the same time periods (25% and 26% decrease respectively, total decrease 44%; p< 0.01). There was also a significant decrease in MME dispensed for these 3 periods (546,721 to 397,630 to 280,160 MME, 27% and 29% decrease respectively, 48.76% overall reduction; p 1⁄4 < 0.01). Conclusions: The PA PDMP mandatory querying requirement prior to opiate prescribing resulted in a decrease in the MME dispensed from our ED. The decrease may have occurred by identifying individuals with multiple prior opiate prescriptions, multiple prescribing providers, and on other medications with high abuse potential. In addition, by providing ALTO for acute ED pain management, the ED providers had a heightened awareness of the adverse consequences of opioids and prescribed them more judiciously upon discharge. Decreasing MME availability and prescribing opiates appropriately are important components in combating the opiate abuse epidemic.