The Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement's Narcotics Enforcement Division has introduced improvements to the state's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The updated system will link a patient's controlled substance prescription history directly to their electronic health record. This change aims to help healthcare providers track medication use more effectively and reduce the risks of misuse or harmful drug interactions, according to the Office of the Governor.
The initiative is designed to help healthcare providers better manage the risks of prescribing controlled substances. In partnership with Bamboo Health, the goal is to reduce the chances of substance use disorder. "Advanced prescription monitoring improves the quality of care in our communities and combats the rise in drug overdoses," said Narcotics Enforcement Division Acting Administrator Michael Hartsock, as reported by the Office of the Governor.
Hawai‘i's Department of Health received a $346,000 grant from the CDC's Overdose Data to Action initiative to improve prescription drug monitoring. The funding supports a contract with Bamboo Health to help healthcare providers and pharmacies track prescriptions more effectively. Providers are encouraged to enroll in Bamboo Health’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program system to better identify risks and prevent prescription drug abuse. "We are empowering our healthcare providers with the tools they need to make informed decisions and improve health outcomes for the people of Hawai‘i," Hartsock told the Office of the Governor.
