How does the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) help prevent drug abuse?

The Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) plays a crucial role in preventing drug abuse by tracking the prescription history of patients. This program collects and maintains records of controlled substance prescriptions filled at various pharmacies. By having access to this information, healthcare providers, particularly pharmacists and prescribers, can review a patient's prescription history before issuing or filling new prescriptions.

When a pharmacist can see the complete prescription history, they can identify patients who may be "doctor shopping" — that is, seeking prescriptions from multiple healthcare providers without the knowledge of their other providers. This visibility into a patient's medication usage helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions, detect potential misuse, and intervene if necessary to ensure patient safety.

The other options do not directly address the core function of the PMP in monitoring and managing prescription medications. For example, limiting the number of pharmacies does not necessarily relate to monitoring prescriptions, and requiring written prescriptions is more about prescribing procedures than tracking abuse. Allowing pharmacists to monitor patient class might imply observing medication types but does not enable the comprehensive surveillance that the PMP provides. Ultimately, by tracking prescriptions systematically, the PMP serves as a powerful tool in curbing prescription drug abuse and enhancing patient care.