The Effect of Mandatory Prescription Monitoring Program Use on Opioid Overdose Mortality

Abstract

Opioid overdose deaths have climbed dramatically since the 1990s, largely driven by rising prescription rates. In response to the crisis, many states have established prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), databases designed to track prescription volume and curb over- prescription. However, the evidence regarding these programs’ efficacy in reducing prescription rates, let alone overdose mortality, is sparse, since many states do not require that physicians consult the database prior to making prescriptions. This study examines the effect of I-STOP (Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing), a revamping of New York’s PDMP laws in 2013, which mandates that prescribers utilize the state database to review patient history before making prescriptions. Using county level panel data on prescription rates and prescription overdose mortality, this study employs difference in differences estimation, with counties in New Jersey as the control group, to examine the effect of the law change on prescription and overdose death rates. Results indicate that the period after the instituting of I-STOP is associated with a significant reduction in prescription growth rates and crude opioid overdose mortality.