What is PDMP?

Overview

The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is a state-run electronic database used to track the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances.
Its primary purpose is to prevent misuse, abuse, and diversion of prescription medications—particularly opioids—while supporting patient safety and regulatory compliance.

All 50 U.S. states have operational PDMPs, each with specific reporting requirements and technical standards.

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Why PDMP Matters

PDMP reporting helps:

• Monitor controlled substance prescribing and dispensing
• Detect potential abuse or diversion
• Support prescribers and pharmacists in clinical decision-making
• Ensure pharmacies remain compliant with state regulations

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How PDMP Data Is Shared

The typical PDMP data flow is:

1. Provider issues a prescription
2. Pharmacy dispenses the medication
3. Pharmacy reports dispensing activity to the state PDMP
   • Reporting occurs when the prescription is picked up or shipped

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PDMP Clearinghouses & Platforms

States use different PDMP platforms and clearinghouses to receive and process data:

• Bamboo Health – PMP Clearinghouse
  Used by 40+ states
• NIC / Motorola Solutions – RxGov
  Used by MD, NE, UT
• LogiCoy PMP
  Used by IL, TN, WV, WI, PA
• State-Hosted PMP Systems
  Example: New York (NY)

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Data Transmission Method

PDMP data is transmitted securely using SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol).

Required Connection Information

• Hostname / IP Address
• Port
  • Commonly: 21, 22, or state-specific
• Username
• Password
• Directory Folder

Each state provides this information in its PMP Implementation Guide.

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ASAP Reporting Standard

PDMP reporting follows the ASAP Standard
(American Society for Automation in Pharmacy)

About ASAP

• Defines the required data structure and segments for PDMP reporting
• Used nationwide for controlled substance reporting
• Version 5.0 is the latest standard
  • Introduces enhanced data fields and improvements

ASAP Versions in Use

States may require different versions:

• 4.2
• 4.2A
• 4.2B
• 5.0

ℹ️ Isak Computing has been an ASAP member since 2019.

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State Implementation Guides

Each state publishes a PMP Implementation Guide that specifies:

• Which ASAP version is required
• Mandatory vs optional data fields
• File format and naming conventions
• Submission timelines
• Error handling rules

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Reporting Requirements

• Reporting Frequency:
  • Daily (most states)
  • Some states allow Real-Time Reporting
• Supported Report Types:
  • Dispensed Drug Report
  • Zero Report (required when no controlled substances are dispensed)
• Supported File Formats:
  • .TXT
  • .DAT

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ASAP Report Segments

A PDMP submission file is composed of multiple standardized segments:

Each segment serves a specific purpose and must comply with the state’s implementation guide.

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Summary

PDMP reporting is a critical compliance responsibility for pharmacies dispensing controlled substances.
Understanding:

• How data flows
• Which platform your state uses
• ASAP standards and versions
• Secure transmission requirements

…ensures accurate reporting, reduces compliance risk, and supports public health initiatives.

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✅ This completes the step-by-step guide on What Is PDMP?

If you’d like, I can also help document:

• PDMP setup within SiCompounding
• Troubleshooting PDMP submission errors
• Zero reporting best practices
• ASAP 5.0 vs 4.2 comparison