PMP Check, Law Now In Effect March 1, 2020

Beginning March 1, 2020, APRNs with prescriptive authority will be required to check a patient’s PMP history before prescribing opioids (this includes all opioid combination products, such as Tylenol-Codeine No. 3), benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or carisoprodol. According to the Board of Nursing rules (see Rule §222.8 here), providers are required to document in the patient’s record that they checked the PMP.

There are a few exceptions to the PMP requirements. A provider is not required to check the PMP if the patient receiving treatment has been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease, or the patient is receiving hospice care. The prescriber instead must note in the prescription record that the prescription is related to the treatment of one of those exempted categories.

An APRN is not subject to discipline if the APRN makes a good faith attempt to review the PMP but is unable to, and documents that attempt.