Colorado's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

Colorado’s electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is a secure online database that provides objective information about patients’ controlled substance prescription records to assist Colorado healthcare providers in offering appropriate treatment to their patients. The PDMP was enacted into law in 2005, in part, to reduce prescription drug abuse. The Colorado Dental Board has a fine, starting at $1,250 that may be imposed on dentists who fail to complete the PDMP registration.

The PDMP database provides dentists with vital information to make informed decisions about prescribing a controlled substance. Registering to use the PDMP tool is free, and required for all dentists who possess an active DEA registration . You can register at https://www.colorado.gov/dora-pdmp using your dental license number and other key pieces of identifying information. For questions about the PDMP registration process, you may contact the PDMP helpdesk at 1-855-263-6403 or visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/PDMP.

Once you have registered and logged into the system, you can view a patient’s controlled substance prescription history.

Common Provider Questions About PDMP Notification

Do I have to use this notification with every patient?
No. You only need to notify a patient if you are prescribing him/her a controlled substance.
Does the patient need to consent to inclusion in the database in order to receive a prescription?
Your only obligation is to inform the patient that the database exists and may be accessed by authorized individuals. It is smart to document this conversation in the patient chart or record. You do not need the patient’s consent in order to prescribe. It is the patient’s choice whether to fill the prescription once they are aware of the database. If a patient objects to inclusion in the database, you can offer to prescribe a non-controlled drug.
What if the patient refuses to sign the notification form?
If this patient refuses to sign the notification form, just write “patient refused to sign” on the form and keep the form with the patient’s records as evidence of notification. Your only obligation as a prescriber is to notify the patient about the PDMP. You are not required to get their consent or agreement.
Do I have to report any data on my prescribing?
You are not required to submit any data to the database. All reporting is done by the dispensing pharmacy.
Can I view the PDMP data to help me with prescribing decisions?
The PDMP is a free resource for prescribers. Visit http://www.hidinc.com/copdmp/ to register.

Common Patient Questions About PDMP Notification

Can I opt-out of being included in the database?
If you fill a prescription for a controlled substance at a pharmacy, state law requires that your information be reported by that pharmacy. If you do not want your information in the database, I can prescribe a different (non-narcotic) drug for you. That is the only way to avoid being included in the database.
What if I don’t want you to report my information?
Our office does not report any information. The pharmacy is responsible for reporting information to the database.
Can I see my current records in the database?
Copies of individual prescription drug records stored in the database can be obtained through DORA (the Colorado state Department of Regulatory Agencies) by calling 303-894-5957 or by visiting https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/PDMP_Patient_Report.
Can my doctor/dentist view all my prescription records in this database?
No. The database contains only records related to controlled substances (narcotic drugs like painkillers, muscle relaxants and steroids). It does not contain records about other prescription drugs like antibiotics, antidepressants or any other category of prescription medication.
I am concerned about the security of my information.
The state regulates this database and has strict security controls. Only authorized personnel can access the data and only for approved purposes. This database has actually been in operation for years (since 2005).

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