PMP information for law enforcement and licensing boards

About Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) investigative training

All Law Enforcement, Regulatory Board Investigators must attend a PMP Investigative Training Class as a requirement for access to the Online System.

Massachusetts allows PMP access to Investigative unit officers from State, Federal and Local Departments

Please contact the PMP to request attendance for the next training session.

New requirement for law enforcement access to prescription monitoring data: Probable Cause Warrant

On August 9, 2018, Chapter 208 of the Acts of 2018, An Act for prevention and access to appropriate care and treatment of addiction became law. Sections 42-44 of the Act amend the requirements under which Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) data can be provided to law enforcement officials. Specifically, such access may be given only when the request “is in connection with a bona fide specific controlled substance or additional drug-related investigation and accompanied by a probable cause warrant issued pursuant to chapter 276 [of the Massachusetts General Laws].

This change in the law regarding access to PMP data is effective immediately and will impact law enforcement officials engaged in bona fide specific controlled substance or additional drug related investigations or prosecutions, including:

  • The Office of the United States Attorney, district attorney offices, and the Office of the Attorney General (other than the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which the new law specifically exempts from the warrant requirement);
  • Local, state and federal law enforcement officials; and,
  • Officials working with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

In addition to the new law, all current requirements for access to PMP data continue. Therefore, if you belong to one of the categories above and you conduct a PMP search:

  • The search must still be in connection with a bona fide controlled substance or additional drug-related investigation or prosecution;
  • You must have a warrant issued pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276 authorizing such search; and
  • Your search must be conducted within the bounds set by your warrant.
  • PMP reserves the right to request a copy of the warrant.

PMP will provide an updated guidance as soon as possible. Questions may be directed to: mapmp.dph@MassMail.State.MA.US.

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