PDMP violations – what happens next?
Failing to register, report to, or check your state’s PDMP can result in a license suspension, disciplinary action by a state agency, or potential criminal charges if the violation is serious enough.
“Their license is at stake, [and] their business is at stake,” Ms. Mazina said. “Overprescribing [and] overdispensing is the number one reason for administrative actions.”
Physicians also may face civil fines for failing to register with their state PDMP or for violating program regulations. In Kentucky, for example, doctors can be fined $250 for each prescription written while the doctor is not properly registered. In Maine, prescribers and dispensers face a civil fine of up to $5,000 for violating PDMP rules. Violations that lead to criminal investigations also may result in arrest or prosecution by federal authorities.
Education is key to avoiding PDMP penalties and ensuring compliance with state rules, Ms. Mazina stressed. Learn your state’s PDMP regulations, ensure staff members are trained on the proper protocols, and keep up to date on changes.
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