What Is a PDMP and Why Does It Matter for the MPJE?
A Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is a statewide electronic database that tracks the dispensing of controlled substances. Pharmacists report dispensing data to the PDMP, and can query the database to review a patient's controlled substance history before dispensing.
PDMP-related questions are among the most frequently tested state law topics on the MPJE because: (1) PDMP rules differ significantly by state, (2) mandatory query requirements have expanded dramatically in recent years, and (3) failure to consult the PDMP when required is one of the most actionable violations a pharmacist can commit.
What the MPJE Tests About PDMPs
For any state MPJE, you must know the following PDMP specifics for your jurisdiction:
- Which schedules trigger a mandatory query? Most states require queries before dispensing Schedule II. Many also require queries for Schedule III and/or IV. Some states (like Ohio's OARRS) require queries for Schedule II through V.
- Are there exemption situations? Common exemptions include: hospice/palliative care patients, inpatient hospital settings, very small quantities dispensed (below threshold), single-dose dispensing, veterinary prescriptions.
- Frequency of required queries: Some states require a query at every dispensing event. Others only require a query for new patients or at defined intervals (e.g., every 90 days for ongoing therapy).
- Delegate access: Can pharmacy interns or technicians query the PDMP on behalf of the pharmacist? Most states now allow this but with restrictions — the pharmacist must still review the results and bear responsibility.
- Reporting timelines: How quickly must dispensing data be submitted to the PDMP? Real-time, same-day, next-day, or 72-hour requirements vary by state.
- Interstate data sharing: Is your state connected to PMP InterConnect? Are you required to check out-of-state data for certain patients?
PDMP Systems by Region
The following reference maps PDMP system names and mandatory query scope for all U.S. jurisdictions — essential for MPJE state-specific preparation:
| State | PDMP System | Mandatory Query Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | PMP AWARxE | Schedule II–III |
| Alaska | PMP AWARxE | Schedule II |
| Arizona | AZPMP | Schedule II–IV |
| Arkansas | ARCSIS | Schedule II–IV |
| California | CURES 2.0 | Schedule II–IV |
| Colorado | PMP AWARxE | Schedule II–III |
| Connecticut | CT PDMP | Schedule II–III |
| Delaware | DE PDMP | Schedule II–IV |
| Florida | FL PDMP | Schedule II–IV |
| Georgia | GA PDMP | Schedule II–III |
| Hawaii | HI PDMP | Schedule II–IV |
| Idaho | PMP AWARxE | Schedule II–IV |
| Illinois | INSPECT | Schedule II–IV |
| Indiana | INSPECT | Schedule II–IV |
| Iowa | IA PDMP | Schedule II–III |
| Kansas | KS PDMP | Schedule II–IV |
| Kentucky | KASPER | Schedule II–IV |
| Louisiana | LPMP | Schedule II–III |
| Maine | ME PDMP | Schedule II |
| Maryland | MD PDMP | Schedule II–IV |
| Massachusetts | MA PMP | Schedule II |
| Michigan | MAPS | Schedule II–IV |
| Minnesota | MNPMP | Schedule II–III |
| Mississippi | MS PDMP | Schedule II–III |
| Missouri | MODAP | Schedule II–III |
| Montana | MT-PMP | Schedule II–III |
| Nebraska | NE PDMP | Schedule II–III |
| Nevada | NV PMP | Schedule II–IV |
| New Hampshire | NH PDMP | Schedule II |
| New Jersey | NJPMP | Schedule II–IV |
| New Mexico | NM PMP | Schedule II–IV |
| New York | I-STOP/NY PMP | Schedule II–IV (every fill) |
| North Carolina | NCSHP PMP | Schedule II–IV |
| North Dakota | ND PDMP | Schedule II |
| Ohio | OARRS | Schedule II–V |
| Oklahoma | OK PDMP | Schedule II–IV |
| Oregon | OR PMP | Schedule II |
| Pennsylvania | PA PDMP | Schedule II–IV |
| Rhode Island | RI PDMP | Schedule II |
| South Carolina | SC PDMP | Schedule II–IV |
| South Dakota | SD PDMP | Schedule II |
| Tennessee | CSMD | Schedule II–IV |
| Texas | PMP AWARxE | Schedule II–IV |
| Utah | UT PDMP | Schedule II–III |
| Vermont | VT PMS | Schedule II |
| Virginia | VA PMP | Schedule II–IV |
| Washington | WA PMP | Schedule II–IV |
| West Virginia | WV PDMP | Schedule II–IV |
| Wisconsin | WI PDMP | Schedule II–III |
| Wyoming | WY PDMP | Schedule II–III |
| Washington DC | DC PMP | Schedule II–IV |
Key PDMP Exam Points for All States
- Ohio's OARRS is unique: The only state requiring PDMP consultation before dispensing Schedule V — know this stands out from every other state.
- New York's I-STOP is the strictest: Mandatory query at every single dispensing event for Schedule II–IV, not just new patients.
- Kentucky's KASPER is one of the oldest and most established: KASPER was one of the first state PDMPs and has extensive case law around it.
- Missouri was the last state without a PDMP mandate — now changed: Missouri launched its mandatory PDMP in 2021 after being the last holdout. It is now fully operational and tested on the MPJE.
- PMP InterConnect: Allows states to share PDMP data across borders. If your state participates, you may be required (or encouraged) to check interstate data for patients filling controlled substances.
- Reporting timeline trend: States are moving toward real-time or same-day reporting requirements. Know your state's specific requirement.
⚠️ PDMP Laws Change Frequently
PDMP mandatory query requirements have been the fastest-evolving area of state pharmacy law over the past 5 years. Always verify your state's current requirements at your Board of Pharmacy website before your MPJE exam date. Laws referenced in this guide reflect 2025–2026 requirements and may have been updated.