A law enacted in 2009 to reduce prescription drug fraud in Oklahoma took effect on January 1, 2012. The law requires pharmacies to report certain prescription transactions in real time through the Oklahoma Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).
The purpose of the prescription monitoring system is to prevent prescription drug fraud, including the use of stolen prescription pads and "doctor shopping." When a patient attempts to fill certain narcotic prescriptions, pharmacists can check the electronic monitoring system to determine whether the prescription has already been filled elsewhere. Prescriptions subject to reporting requirements must generally be entered into the system shortly after being dispensed.
The implementation of real-time prescription monitoring has reduced opportunities for fraudulent prescriptions to be filled and increased the likelihood that individuals attempting to unlawfully obtain controlled substances may be detected and criminally charged.
What Is the Oklahoma Prescription Monitoring Program?
The Oklahoma Prescription Monitoring Program is an electronic database used to track the dispensing of certain controlled substances. The system allows pharmacies and participating healthcare providers to review prescription histories and identify potential signs of prescription fraud, misuse, or abuse.
Prescription monitoring helps detect suspicious activity such as:
- Doctor shopping
- Forged prescriptions
- Altered prescriptions
- Multiple prescriptions for the same medication
- Unauthorized attempts to obtain controlled substances
By providing access to real-time prescription information, the program helps pharmacies and healthcare providers identify potentially fraudulent activity before medications are dispensed.
Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prescription drug overdose deaths reached epidemic levels during the early 2010s. In 2010 alone, approximately two million people reported first-time non-medical use of prescription drugs. For every prescription drug overdose death, the CDC reported that there were approximately 825 non-medical users.
Oklahoma has been particularly affected by prescription drug abuse. Between 1997 and 2006, prescription overdose deaths in Oklahoma tripled. In 2008, the CDC ranked Oklahoma eighth in the nation for prescription overdose deaths and placed the state among the top ten for opioid sales.
Common opioid medications associated with prescription drug abuse include:
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Morphine
- Methadone
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that Oklahoma had one of the highest rates of non-medical use of prescription pain medications in the United States.
How Prescription Monitoring Helps Prevent Fraud
Electronic prescription monitoring systems help pharmacies identify falsified, altered, or fraudulent prescriptions before medications are dispensed. When prescribing physicians also participate in prescription monitoring, they may be able to identify patients obtaining medications from multiple healthcare providers and reduce instances of doctor shopping.
The combined efforts of pharmacists, physicians, and prescription monitoring systems help reduce prescription fraud and improve public safety.
Criminal Charges for Prescription Drug Fraud
Prescription drug fraud can result in serious criminal charges and significant legal consequences. Individuals accused of unlawfully obtaining, possessing, using, or distributing controlled substances may face prosecution under state or federal law.
Depending on the circumstances, prescription fraud may be charged as:
- Prescription fraud
- Prescription Forgery
- Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud
- Possession of a controlled dangerous substance
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Federal drug offenses
Federal prescription drug fraud investigations may involve agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Defense Against Prescription Fraud Charges
A conviction for prescription drug fraud can result in substantial penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Anyone accused of prescription fraud should seek legal representation as soon as possible. The drug charge defense attorneys at Phillips & Associates have a successful record of helping individuals facing allegations of prescription fraud or other drug-related offenses.
An experienced drug crime defense attorney can evaluate the allegations, protect constitutional rights, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the facts of the case.
