drug overdose epidemic. The CDC rec- ommends Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) to address the prob- lem. Thirty-six states have adopted op- erational Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, which are state-run electronic databases used to track the prescribing and dispensing of controlled prescription drugs to patients. They are designed to monitor this information for suspected abuse or diversion. This information can help prescribers and pharmacists identify high-risk patients who would benefit from early interventions. Te CDC also recommends that PDMPs
link to electronic health records systems so that PDMP information is beter integrated into health care providers’ day-to-day prac- tices. Included in the overall plan are:
1. Patient review and restriction programs 2. Health care provider accountability 3. Laws to prevent prescription drug abuse and diversion
4. Beter access to substance abuse treatment
Drug testing professionals also can
and should play an active role in stem- ming this epidemic. Corporate clients rely on their Third Party Administrators and Third Party Providers for the advice needed to keep their workforce healthy and the workplace safe. Testing recom- mendations should include expanding the number of drugs being tested beyond the 5-panel test. Testing only for illicit drugs is no longer sufficient to address the fastest growing area of drug abuse in our society. ❚
Gary F. Patrone is CEO of ARCpoint Labs of Tempe, located within the Phoenix Val- ley. Gary serves both corporate and private clients in drug, alcohol, DNA and steroid test-
ing services and creates workplace policies for both D.O.T. and non-mandated companies. Gary is an active member of the Tempe-South Rotary Club, an Ambassador of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, member of the Advisory Council for Brookline College and writes a monthly column for the Arizona Republic.
Footnotes 1
Source: CDC website.
http://www.cdc.gov/ homeandrecreationalsafety/rxbrief/.
2
Source: Drug Free World website. http://www.drugfreeworld. org/drugfacts/drugs/why-do-people-take-drugs/html.
3
Source: 2002-2013
www.AddictionWithrawal.com, Fentanyl Statistics.
www.datia.org
datia focus
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