NC CSRS joins multi-state information sharing network
Physicians and other controlled substances prescribers registered with the stateâs prescription drug database now have the ability to see what medications their patients have received in other states.
NC prescribers who use the NC Controlled Substances Reporting System (NC CSRS) can currently obtain patient information from Virginia, South Carolina and a handful of other states through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacyâs PMP InterConnect, which NC recently joined. More states are coming online daily, as the NC Department of Health and Human Services works to enable two-way prescription data sharing with individual states.
NC CSRS captures all controlled substances prescriptions that are dispensed by outpatient pharmacies in North Carolina. Other statesâ databases capture similar information. Prescribers can use prescription data to spot potentially harmful drug combinations and to avoid prescribing to patients who may be engaged in âdoctor shoppingâ.
To obtain information from another state NC CSRS users must select âMultiple State Queryâ from the left-hand side of the page, after logging in. Available states are in the field labelled, âDisclosing States.â
NC CSRSâs participation in PMP Interconnect also represents progress towards completion of NC CSRS improvements that are required before mandatory prescriber use of the prescription database can go into effect. The mandatory use requirement will not go into effect until NC DHHS completes other technical improvements, in addition to providing the ability to receive prescription data from other states.
Once all upgrades are complete, the Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention Act of 2017, or STOP Act, will require that prescribers register for NC CSRS and check a patientâs 12-month prescription history before prescribing any Schedule II or Schedule III opioid or narcotic. NCMB will continue to monitor progress and inform licensees when a specific effective date for mandatory NC CSRS use is established.
If you have not registered for NC CSRS, go here.
