A new prescription drug monitoring system was launched in Michigan to assist in opioid abuse prevention.
The new Michigan Automated Prescription System, PMP AWARxE, replaces an old system. Updating and replacing the previous system was a recommendation by the Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force, formed in 2015 by Gov. Rick Snyder.
“Replacing the outdated MAPS is central in our fight against the opioid epidemic that has been so tragic for Michigan families,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, who chaired the task force. “The modern system gives prescribers and dispensers state-of-the-art tools to make more informed decisions, intervene earlier and spend additional time with patients and customers."
The system provides a portal for prescribers to quickly get information about controlled substances and Schedule 2-5 drugs that have been dispensed.
The new MAPS will allow record look-ups to be completed in seconds. The system will show patient alerts and recent requests to prescribers.
Patient reports will also be available, and will include prescription history and prescriber and dispenser information in a complete summary.
Additionally, data will be uploaded in real time, unlike overnight, like the previous system.
A $2.47 million appropriation from the state Legislature allowed the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ Bureau of Professional Licensing to begin replacing the old MAPS in 2016, and a $2.02 million appropriation was later granted for ongoing maintenance and support of the system.
The MAPS portal is administered by LARA.
“We’re hopeful prescribers and practitioners from across the state will utilize this powerful system to effectively measure a patient’s potential danger in abusing these addictive drugs,” said LARA director Shelly Edgerton.