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Data-Driven Interventions: TMA Zeroes in on Quality Opioid Care - 04/01/2024

TMA zeroes in on physicians’ obstacles to quality opioid care.

Prescription Pitfalls: Vendor Drug Program Restricts Physicians to Prescribing Certain Medications - 11/05/2023

Amid rising drug costs, Texas Medicaid’s Vendor Drug Program often restricts physicians to prescribing medications that may not be best for their patients

PMP Integration Free to Physicians - 09/18/2023

As of Sept. 1, the Texas State Board of Pharmacy offers statewide integration of the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program and NarxCare into electronic health records and pharmacy management systems for two years at no cost to physicians.

Opioids: Resources for Prescribing and Addiction Treatment - 07/20/2023

Get access to information about medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Online resources for prescribing opioids appropriately also are available.

How to Renew Your Electronic Prescribing Hardship Waiver - 03/24/2023

Physicians and other prescribers in Texas must now electronically prescribe controlled substances (EPCS). However, prescribers who demonstrate financial or technical hardships, or other exceptional circumstances, are eligible for a waiver from the Texas Medical Board (TMB) that, if approved, grants a one-year delay. If the hardship persists, prescribers must renew that waiver annually.

TMA Urges CMS to Nix Penalties Related to E-Prescribing Controlled Substances - 10/14/2022

The Texas Medical Association is pushing back against proposed penalties for physicians who don’t electronically prescribe controlled substances.

Are You Ready for Changes to Opioid Prescribing in Texas? - 10/14/2022

Beginning Sept. 1, all prescribers will be required to set up an account with the state’s prescription monitoring program, known as PMP Aware. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy will also begin issuing new official prescription forms that include advanced security features designed to help deter fraud.

Despite Deadline, New Prescription Forms Still Not Received - 10/08/2022

Many Texas physicians are now unable to write prescriptions for certain pain medications because of ongoing problems when ordering the state’s new prescription forms. As of June 1, all Schedule II prescription forms ordered before Sept. 1, 2018, were no longer valid. However, many Texas physicians have told the Texas Medical Association they are still awaiting the new forms.

Reactivate Your EHR’s Access to the PMP - 03/10/2022

With the state of Texas no longer covering the fees that allow physicians’ electronic health record (EHR) systems to integrate with the state’s prescription monitoring program (PMP), physicians are now responsible for paying those fees. If you want your system integrated with the PMP, know your options and make sure you stay connected.

TMA Working to Stop PMP Fees - 08/04/2021

When Texas started requiring that physicians check the state’s prescription monitoring program (PMP), the state appropriated funds to cover the licensing fee for the first two years. Effective Sept. 1, however, that fee is no longer covered

Update: TMB Extends Emergency Telemedicine Pain Script Waiver - 08/02/2021

The Texas Medical Board (TMB) extended until June 30 its emergency waiver permitting refills of certain controlled substance prescriptions to treat patients with chronic pain who recently saw their doctor in person or via telemedicine.

Ask the Expert: What You Need to Know About E-Prescribing Controlled Substances - 03/22/2021

If you’re still unsure about new requirements that all Texas physicians electronically prescribe controlled substances, tune into a TMA “Ask the Expert” virtual discussion set for 6 pm (CT) Tuesday, March 23.

What You Need to Know About Mandatory E-Prescribing Controlled Substances - 01/12/2021

The Texas Medical Association has created a “frequently asked questions” (FAQ) document that can help you understand state and federal laws that went into effect Jan. 1 requiring physicians to electronically prescribe controlled substances as well as various waivers.

E-Prescribing of Controlled Substances to be Required Jan. 1 - 12/09/2020

Although state law and Medicare policy will require electronic prescriptions for all controlled substances beginning Jan. 1, Texas prescribers have several options for delaying implementation for at least another year.

Mismatch Game: PMP Errors Could Harm Patient-Physician Relationship - 10/30/2020

Now that Texas prescribers must check a patient’s history in the state’s prescription monitoring program (PMP) before prescribing opioids, plus three other drug classes, the errors are becoming more apparent.  

The PMP Requirement Begins - 08/18/2020

With EHR integration in place, physicians must check the state prescription monitoring program (PMP) prior to prescribing an opioid starting March 1.

Prescription Monitoring Program: Is Your EHR Connected? - 06/12/2020

Beginning March 1, 2020, all prescribers must set up an account with the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program, known as PMP Aware, and check the PMP prior to prescribing opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or carisoprodol.

How to Talk to Patients About the PMP - 02/28/2020

Michael Mackert, PhD, director of the Center for Health Communication at The University of Texas at Austin, addressed physicians’ concerns about talking to patients about the PMP, which prescribers will be required to check before issuing any prescription for opioids, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or carisoprodol beginning March 1.  

PMP Checks Won’t Be Necessary for In-Facility Medications, TMB Says - 02/21/2020

Thanks to Texas Medical Association advocacy, the Texas Medical Boardhas refocused its guidance on when physicians will be required to check the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) before prescribing certain medications starting March 1.

Update: TMB Clears Up Questions About PMP Checks for Inpatient Care - 02/21/2020

Will you be required to check the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) when a patient is admitted to a hospital or emergency department? Will you be required to check PMP Aware upon admission? What if you need to prescribe those medications while the patient is in that facility? The Texas Medical Board issued guidance on those very questions this week.

Reporting System Makes Documenting PMP Checks Easy - 02/19/2020

As you probably already know, beginning March 1, you’ll be required to check the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program, known as PMP Aware, any time you prescribe certain medications. To help you document those checks, PMP Aware allows you to download PDFs that you can add to a patient’s medical record.

Four Ways To Improve Your Practice’s E-Prescribing - 02/26/2019

E-prescribing has become commonplace in most practices, but, as with most new technology, there are still lessons to be learned to improve the quality of electronic prescriptions.

Texas Doctors Seek Red-Tape Reduction to Help Patients in Need - 06/07/2018

The 34-member Texas Delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates will ask the policymaking body to adopt a resolution this week to help patients with disabilities get devices to help them move, and another to allow physicians to prescribe medications electronically for patients they know.

Help Improve E-Prescription Accuracy - 05/24/2018

To improve the accuracy of its e-prescribing system, Surescripts is recommending specific enhancements, and it wants you to respond to a brief survey to validate its recommendations.