Frequently Asked Questions

A dispenser or a designee of a dispenser must consult the PDMP to review a patient’s-controlled substance dispensing history prior to dispensing a controlled substance in schedules II-V, as defined in section 893.03, F.S., for patients age 16 or older for each new and refill prescription.

The PDMP must be consulted each time a prescription for a controlled substance is written

There is no specific legal time limit or statutory rule stating how far in advance you can consult a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) database. However, because data is continuously updated, checking it too far ahead means you might miss recent prescriptions added by other providers.

The prescriber is not required to consult the PDMP before each refill, however, the prescriber must consult the PDMP prior to writing a new prescription for a controlled substance listed in Schedule II through V. A prescription for a controlled substance listed in Schedule II may not be refilled.

The prescriber must document in the patient’s record the reason the PDMP was not consulted and may prescribe no more than a 3-day supply of a controlled substance.

• If the PDMP system is not operational as determined by DOH, or
• The PDMP cannot be accessed by the prescriber practitioner due to a temporary technological or electrical failure or
• When prescribing a nonopioid Schedule V drug or
• The patient is less than 16 years of age

A prescriber or his or her designee must consult the PDMP to review their patient’s controlled substance dispensing history prior to prescribing a controlled substance in Schedules II-V, as defined in section 893.03, F.S., for patients age 16 and older.

Yes. Information that is more than 4 years old.

Yes, there are penalties for failing to consult the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) database (such as Florida’s E-FORCSE) before prescribing or dispensing controlled substances, up to license suspension

Prescribers, dispensers and their designees may register for access at https://florida.pmpaware.net.

If you do not prescribe any controlled substances you are not required to register with or consult E-FORCSE.

You are still authorized to register. You can view your patient’s-controlled substance dispensing histories.

Yes