GOVERNMENT RELATIONS continued
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS continued
Will there be a training program for dispensers and prescribers to utilize the new system?
Yes, training and support will be provided for users of the system.
What is required of dispensers?
Once the new PDMP is fully operational, dispensers are required to submit records of all dispensed schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances to the system with 72 hours of dispensing.
What is required of prescribers?
Will the PDMP offer any kind of referrals to treatment programs for suspected prescription drug abusers?
The PDMP provides data to health care professionals to enable them to make more informed decisions about prescribing and dispensing monitored prescription drugs to their patients or potential patients. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to use the data obtained from the PDMP to improve their treatment of patients, including referring patients to substance abuse treatment facilities.
Stay tuned for more information from PDA once the database becomes operational and the Department of Health announces training opportunities for health care providers.
Information courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Health
Once the new PDMP is fully operational, prescribers are required to query the system for:
• Each new patient the first time the patient is prescribed a controlled substance; or,
• If a prescriber believes or has reason to believe, using sound clinical judgment, that a patient may be abusing or diverting drugs.
Once the new PDMP is fully operational, prescribers are required to indicate the information obtained from the system in the patient’ s medical record if:
• The individual is a new patient; or,
• The prescriber determines a drug should not be prescribed or furnished to a patient based upon the information from the system.
Will the new PDMP system be“ real-time”?
Dispensers, prescribers and their delegates will have“ real-time” access to the data stored by the PDMP at any given time. However, dispensers have up to 72 hours to submit data after dispensing a monitored prescription drug.
Do dispensers or prescribers have to pay anything for the program?
A dispenser or prescriber is not required to pay a fee or tax specifically dedicated to the establishment, operation or maintenance of the program.
Pennsylvania law requires clearances when interacting with or treating children
New provisions in Pennsylvania’ s Child Protective Services Law require individuals to obtain several clearances every five years if, in the course of their employment or volunteer activities, they have either:
• Direct contact with children because they provide care, supervision, guidance or control of children, AND
• Routine interactive with children defined as“ regular and repeated contact that is integral to a person’ s employment responsibilities.”
To help determine which members of your dental office staff need certifications, you may want to consult with your insurance carrier or attorney. However, PDA advises members to err on the side of caution and have all staff having any contact with children obtain the certifications.
The following certifications are needed to comply with this law:
• Report of criminal history from PA State Police
• Child Abuse History Certification from PA Department of Human Services
• Federal criminal history from FBI
Use this website for instructions and links to apply for all three clearances: http:// www. dhs. pa. gov / publications / findaform / childabusehistoryclearanceforms / index. htm #. VxeinvkrK70
You are required to keep copies of your clearances, and those of your employees. You must also require prospective
8 JULY / AUG 2016 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL