STAT NEWS
October 19, 2011
Michael Jackson, BPharm, Editor

The Florida Pharmacy Association has learned that reports appeared in the media this week suggesting that pharmacists would be required to check the
prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) database prior to dispensing medications used to treat pain.  The FPA's general counsel Lori Weems has
advised that this is not correct.  This was confirmed at a meeting yesterday of the Florida Board of Pharmacy here in Tallahassee where the Chief of
Investigative Services Unit of the Division of Medical Quality Assurance stated on the record that reports in the press of this pharmacist requirement
is not accurate.  Inspection services did not see in the law that passed where there were any requirements for pharmacists to check the database prior
to dispensing a controlled substance.

Efforts are underway now to process registration requests by practitioners who wish to access the database.  The FPA understands that this is process
requires considerable review by the state prior to opening the database to a licensed user so members are on notice that it will take some time to get
through all of the requests.  Consider the following information on the E-Forcse web site:

Access

Are physicians required to access E-FORCSE prior to prescribing a controlled substance? No, health care practitioners will not be required to access
the database. It will be voluntary; however, physicians will be encouraged to use it as a tool to improve patient care. Who has access to the
information stored in E-FORCSE? A health care practitioner who is subject to licensure or regulation by the Department of Health under chapter 458,
chapter 459, chapter 461, chapter 462, chapter 464, chapter 465, or chapter 466, F.S., will have direct access to their specific patient’s
information. Other direct access to information will be limited to the E-FORCSE Program Manager and designated staff for the purpose of program
management.

Indirect access may be requested by the following organizations, upon being verified and authenticated by program staff:

    the Department of Health or appropriate health care regulatory boards who are involved in a specific investigation involving a designated
individual for one or more prescribed controlled substances;
    the Attorney General for Medicaid fraud cases involving prescribed controlled substances;
    a law enforcement agency during active investigations regarding potential criminal activity, fraud, or theft regarding prescribed controlled
substances; or
    a patient, legal guardian or designated health care surrogate who submits a notarized written request, for the purpose of verifying the
information collected.

Additionally, the following entities may have indirect access to information that contains no identifying information, upon request:

    the Department of Health for the purpose of calculating performance measures; and
    the Program Implementation and Oversight Task Force for its report to the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of
Representatives.

Finally, if the Program Manager observes a pattern that indicates a patient may be “doctor
shopping” or attempting to obtain multiple prescriptions for controlled substances from multiple
health care practitioners, the information may be provided to law enforcement.

How do I gain access to E-FORCSE? Once operational, a health care practitioner who wishes to obtain a patient advisory report must apply for access to
E-FORCSE.

As you are aware the program came on-line on September 1, 2011 allowing pharmacies and dispensing practitioners to report to the database after
registering.  Controlled substances dispensed must be reported to the database within 7 days.  The program has been open for registrations for
purposes of reporting dispensing data since August 1, 2011.  Registrants who wish to view the data were permitted to file an application request.
Those who have been issued approved status to review the data could begin logging in on October 17th. For more information on how to register to view
the data copy and paste this link into your web browser: http://www.eforcse.com/Practitioner_Info.html and select the "Practitioner and Pharmacist
Training Guide".

More information will be made available at the FPA Law and Regulatory Conference in Sarasota, Florida, December 3-4, 2011.  Registration information
is available on www.pharmview.com.