AAPM&R recently submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in support of the agency's proposed rule establishing a consistent framework for the use of state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). The proposed rule would authorize VA licensed health care providers and designated delegates to access state PDMP information and require the reporting of controlled substances dispensed through the VA to state PDMPs, helping improve care coordination and patient safety for veterans.
In its comments, AAPM&R emphasized that physiatrists frequently care for veterans with complex rehabilitation needs, chronic pain, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other conditions that often require careful management of controlled substances. The Academy noted that providing physicians with timely, comprehensive prescribing information can help reduce duplicative therapy, identify potential drug interactions, and support informed clinical decision-making across health care settings.
AAPM&R also encouraged the VA to integrate PDMP information into existing clinical workflows in a way that minimizes administrative burden while preserving physician clinical judgment. The Academy emphasized that PDMP data should serve as one component of a physician's comprehensive clinical assessment, allowing physicians to continue making individualized treatment decisions based on each veteran's medical history, functional goals, and unique clinical circumstances.