ILPMP represents Illinois at 40th Annual National Association of State Controlled Substances Authorities (NASCSA) Conference

Jennifer Erickson, IL PMPnow Manager (left), Megan Conant, IL PMPnow Coordinator (middle), and Sarah Pointer, ILPMP Clinical Director (right), represented ILPMP at the NASCSA conference.

NASCSA held its 40th annual conference from October 28–31, 2024, in Greenville, South Carolina. As one of the largest and longest-standing conferences dedicated to controlled substance policy, NASCSA serves as a vital forum for state and industry leaders to address emerging trends, share innovative strategies, and discuss regulatory developments in controlled substances oversight.

This year’s conference offered an engaging agenda featuring sessions on prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) advancements, emerging trends in opioid and stimulant misuse, and best practices for implementing legislative changes. Attendees explored key topics such as the evolving role of PDMPs in supporting public health and safety, technological innovations in data sharing, and updates to federal controlled substance regulations, including the DEA’s latest initiatives.

Networking opportunities provided a platform for exchanging insights with colleagues across the country. The conference underscored the importance of collaboration among states and stakeholders to enhance data-driven approaches to controlled substance management.

Representing the ILPMP, Sarah Pointer, Jen Erickson, and Megan Conant, gained valuable insights and new perspectives to bring back to our team. We look forward to integrating these learnings into our efforts to support public health and ensure effective controlled substance monitoring.

Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS) to Launch NEW System

On December 9, 2024, DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) will launch a new, enhanced Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS) to ensure secure electronic ordering of Schedule I through V controlled substances without the supporting paper DEA 222 Order Form. For companies utilizing CSOS, DEA requires that each individual authorized purchaser enroll with DEA to acquire a CSOS digital certificate. Use of CSOS improves the timeliness of placing orders and reduces the number of ordering errors for an estimated 190,000 subscribers who use the system. Click below for more details regarding enhancements to CSOS.

Detailed CSOS Enhancements

DEA Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities Until December 31, 2025

DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), jointly with HHS (Health and Human Services), has extended current telemedicine flexibilities through December 31, 2025. The full text of the extension, entitled “Third Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications,” was submitted to the Federal Register jointly with HHS on November 15, 2024.

View Federal Register

MAR NOW Offers Medication On Demand to IL Residents Seeking Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

The Illinois MAR NOW is a service of (with direct care services provided by Family Guidance Center, Inc., and partial funding for Chicago based direct services by the Chicago Department of Public Health) the Illinois Helpline, the only statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services in Illinois. Trained Helpline Specialists answer questions, provide support, and guide callers to the service options best for them. Helpline services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please help spread word to any patients seeking such services. Click below for more detailed information.

MAR NOW Fact Sheet

Educational Resources

Urine Drug Testing

Urine drug testing is a vital component of any opioid risk mitigation program. This short animated video briefly introduces these tests and their place in practice. Brought to you by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy and the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program.

Newly Released, FREE, Continuing Education Available for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians on the Importance of PMP Data Integrity

Take advantage of this free ACPE accredited educational opportunity providing 1 hour of continuing education for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. This program, developed in partnership with NASCSA and 12 prescription monitoring program (PMP) administrators, analyzes the importance and value of complete, accurate data reported by dispensers to PMPs and assesses the impact of intentional or non-intentional data entry errors and data omissions on patient safety. It also discusses the downstream impacts of pharmacy-reported PMP data on clinical decision-making processes and helps pharmacy staff identify and implement changes that can be made in their practice setting to improve PMP data integrity.

Visit https://ce.talemhealth.com/a/MWEORC

If you received credit for this CE prior to 10/22/24, you are still able to retake the CE and receive credit.

Click for more CE Information

Navigating Pain Management, Safe Opioid Prescribing, and Opioid Use Disorder

A three-hour program designed to meet the educational needs for physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. The program is accredited in 6, 30-minute modules.

Prescriber Register

Pharmacist Register

ILPMP.ORG & IL PMPnow Monthly Data

Contact Information

If you have questions about the information that appears in this update or suggestions for future content, please email dhs.pmp@illinois.gov. Visit www.ilpmp.org for more information.

The Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program (ILPMP) is an electronic database that collects, tracks, and stores reported dispensing data on Schedule II-V controlled substances, selected drugs of interest, and other health information. The Illinois Department of Human Services oversees the ILPMP, authorized by the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/316). The ILPMP adheres to HIPAA and all access, disclosure, and confidentiality provisions of Illinois Law.