Ayotte: Prescription Drug Monitoring Database is Important Step in Preventing Drug Abuse

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) today applauded New Hampshire's official launch of a state database that will track the prescription and sale of drugs that have a high potential for abuse. The New Hampshire Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) will allow prescribers and pharmacists to track prescriptions and patient history in order to help prevent so-called "doctor shopping."

As the state's attorney general from 2004-2009, Ayotte was a strong advocate for establishing a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in New Hampshire, and during her tenure, the state received a federal grant to assist with the planning of a PDMP.

"As New Hampshire's Attorney General, I strongly supported establishing a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in New Hampshire, and I'm pleased that this program is up and running," said Ayotte. "Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs are an important tool in preventing prescription drug abuse, and I'm also pushing bipartisan legislation I helped introduce in the Senate that would incentivize the sharing of prescription drug monitoring data across state lines, as well as enhance education and outreach to physicians and prescribers on the importance of fully utilizing these programs."

Ayotte recently helped introduce the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (S. 2839), which would strengthen prescription drug monitoring programs to help states monitor and track prescription drug diversion and help individuals struggling with addiction access treatment and recovery services. Ayotte is also sponsoring separate legislation that would authorize the Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program - a competitive grant program that helps states support their PDMPs. The program was created to assist law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and public health officials in analyzing data related to prescriptions for controlled substances.

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