Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) can help clinicians improve decisions regarding opioid prescribing. However, since state laws and regulations governing access to these systems often apply only to providers licensed in the states in which the PDMP is located, and many federal health care workers are not so licensed, many federal providers are not subject to requirements. This fact sheet outlines the policies of the three federal health care institutions with regard to the use of PDMPs when prescribing opioids.

Unused, expired and leftover medicines that accumulate in homes represent a significant public health problem by increasing the risk of drug misuse and preventable poisonings. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 75% percent of people who reported misusing painkillers in 2013-2014 most recently got the medication from a friend, family member, or dealer. Improper disposal of unwanted medications also poses a heightened risk to the environment.

The overdose crisis continues unabated. While the epidemic was originally fueled largely by prescription opioid pain relievers, around 2010 a dramatic increase in heroin-related overdoses began. After remaining essentially stable for years, overdose deaths involving heroin spiked rapidly, more than tripling between 2010 and 2014. Starting in 2014, the epidemic began another transformation. Black market drug products—both heroin and counterfeit pills - became increasingly adulterated with illicitly—manufactured synthetic opioids, mainly fentanyl analogues.

This Primer, published by the Network for Public Health Law on Friday, September 8, 2017,  provides a visual snapshot and a timeline on state and federal emergency declarations in response to Hurricane Harvey and Irma.