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What Is the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Prescription Drug Monitoring Program?

In total, 39 states within the U.S. administer drug monitoring prescription programs, and Colorado is one of them. The Department of Regulatory Agencies Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is designed to monitor and regulate activities related to controlled substances within the state of Colorado. Data collected from this program provides information for future drug policy regulations and funding for addiction treatment services.

  1. Purpose

    • The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Prescription Drug Monitoring Program consists of a statewide electronic database that collects data on prescription drug activity within a state. Data is collected through physicians and pharmacists who log prescription writing and prescription filling activities. As a result, individuals who attempt to obtain multiple prescriptions from different doctors are unable to do so once the first prescription has been filled.

    Function

    • The Department of Regulatory Agencies uses the prescription drug monitoring program to address potential drug abuse and addiction problems, which works to prevent illegal trafficking of prescription medications. By preventing illegal use, the state of Colorado can better support and monitor the legal use of these drugs. Data collected by the monitoring program also provides information on addiction trends, and the need for intervention and treatment services. Information is also used as an educational tool for public awareness.

    Funding

    • Prescription drug monitoring programs are funded by federal grants, which are administered through two different channels. In 2002, the Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (HRPDMP) was set up to issue state grants for planning, implementation and development purposes. The U.S. Justice Department, the Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Justice Assistance are the regulatory agencies responsible for monitoring HRPDMP activities.

      The National All Schedules Prescription Reporting Act (NASPER) is the second funding channel for monitoring programs. NASPER issues federal and state grants for database creation and development. NASPER is monitored by the Department of Health and Human Services.

    Effects

    • Through the Department of Regulatory Agencies Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, the state of Colorado is better able to enforce current drug policy and laws. It also provides health officials detailed data on the types of drugs administered and the types of drugs most sought for illegal use. This information can then be used to educate the public on prescription drug usage and issues surrounding addiction. Information obtained through the database also provides a means for Colorado to exchange information with other state databases.

    Addiction Services

    • Data obtained through the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program can be used to determine Colorado's need for funding in areas of addiction treatment. The National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws (NAMSDL) works along with state monitoring programs to provide funding in areas of addiction, recovery and public awareness. The NAMSDL also assists with establishing Colorado's drug policy laws based on database records obtained through the Department of Regulatory Agencies.

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