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Data Access FAQ

  • 1. How do I retrieve my password if I forgot?

    Answer: Click Reset Password.  Enter the email address associated with your PMP account.  You will receive instructions on how to reset your password. Did you know? you can reset your password by sending yourself a text code!  Add your mobile number to your MN PMP account next time you login.  The code comes instantly to your mobile phone.  Tip sheet: Reset your Password by Text Code.
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  • 2. How do I reactivate my account?

    Answer: Contact our program to reactivate or update your account by submitting a secure request form -  Reactive / Update my Account
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  • 3. Who can access the data contained in the MN PMP database?

    Answer: Minnesota Statute M.S. 152.126, subd. 6, allows for access to the data by:
     
    • A prescriber, to the extent the information relates specifically to a current patient, to whom the prescriber is:
      • Prescribing or considering prescribing any controlled substance;
      • Providing emergency medical treatment for which access to the data may be necessary;
      • Providing care, and the prescriber has reason to believe, based on clinically valid indications, that the patient is potentially abusing a controlled substance; or
      • Providing other medical treatment for which access to the data may be necessary and the patient has consented to access to the submitted data;
    • An agent or employee of the prescriber to whom the prescriber has delegated the task of accessing the data for the purposes described above, but only if the agent or employee has been granted access by virtue of a “Delegate” account;
    • A dispenser, to the extent the information relates specifically to a current patient to whom the dispenser is dispensing or considering dispensing any controlled substance;
    • An agent or employee of the dispenser to whom the dispenser has delegated the task of accessing the data for the purpose described above, but only if the agent or employee has been granted access by virtue of a “Delegate” account;
    • A licensed pharmacist who is providing pharmaceutical care for which access to the data may be necessary to the extent that the information relates specifically to a current patient for whom the pharmacist is providing pharmaceutical care:
      • if the patient has consented to access to the submitted data; or
      • if the pharmacist is consulted by a prescriber who is requesting data in accordance with prescriber’s permissible use.
    • An individual who is the recipient of a controlled substance prescription for which data was submitted, or a guardian of the individual, parent or guardian of a minor, or health care agent of the individual acting under a health care directive under chapter 145c;
    • Personnel of the Board of Pharmacy specifically assigned to conduct a bona fide investigation of a specific licensee;
    • Personnel or Designees of a health-related licensing board listed in section 214.01, subdivision 2, or of the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board, assigned to conduct a bona fide investigation of a complaint received by that board that alleges that a specific licensee is impaired by use of a drug for which data is collected under subdivision 4, has engaged in activity that would constitute a crime as defined in section 152.025, or had engaged in the behavior specified in subdivision 5, paragraph (a);
    • Authorized personnel of a vendor under contract with the state of Minnesota who are engaged in the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the PMP as part of the assigned duties and responsibilities of their employment;
    • Federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities acting pursuant to a valid search warrant;
    • Personnel of the Minnesota health care programs assigned to use the data collected under this section to identify and manage recipients whose usage of controlled substances may warrant restriction to a single primary care provider, a single outpatient pharmacy, and a single hospital;
    • Personnel of the health professionals services program established under section 214.31, to the extent that the information relates specifically to an individual who is currently enrolled in and being monitored by the program, and the individual consents to access to that information.
    • Personnel or Designees or a health-related licensing board listed in section 214.01, subdivision 2, assigned to conduct a bona fide investigation of a complaint received by that board that alleges that a specific licensee is inappropriately prescribing controlled substances as defined in this section.
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  • 4. May licensed pharmacists who work in managed care organizations access the PMP?

     Answer: No.  The new provision in the law, effective July 1, 2014, is as follows:
     
    • “a licensed pharmacist who is providing pharmaceutical care for which access to the data may be necessary to the extent that the information relates specifically to a current patient for whom the pharmacist is providing pharmaceutical care if the patient has given consent.”
    • The intent of this new provision is to allow the pharmacist who is working with their patient and their patient’s other healthcare provider’s access to the data by virtue of patient consent.  It does not allow a pharmacist working for the managed care organization access, as that patient is not a patient of the managed care pharmacist.
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  • 5. In a situation where consent is required, what is considered "consent" from a patient to access the PMP?

    Answer: The law is silent on how that consent is garnered and therefore we are recommending you work with your organization’s Data Privacy Compliance official to determine the appropriate course of action, as the MN Board of Pharmacy is unable to provide legal advice.
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  • 6. Can I access data from other states?

    Answer: Yes, we are connected to other states through national data sharing hubs.  Searching through this option requires the full first name, full last name, and date of birth of the individual. Access is dependent on your role type.
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  • 7. Can I search for prescriptions reported as dispensed attributed to my DEA registration number?

    Answer: Yes, after logging into AWARxE select “My Rx,” this feature allows you to enter a timeframe and view a list of prescriptions reported as dispensed under any DEA number(s) associated with your account. Tip Sheet: Using MyRx
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  • 8. For the purposes of accessing the PMP, what is the definition of "pharmaceutical care?"

    Answer: For the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, Section 152.126, pharmaceutical care is defined as clinical activities that pharmacists are engaged in, with dispensing activities being excluded. Examples include, but are not limited to:
    • Medication therapy management,
    • Medication reconciliation,
    • Taking medication histories,
    • Conducting chart reviews, and
    • Working under various protocols and collaborative practice agreements.
    Dispensing is excluded because M.S. 152.126 separately references dispensing as a reason for authorized use.
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  • 9. When is it permissible for a pharmacist who provides pharmaceutical care to access the PMP?

    Answer: A licensed pharmacist who is providing pharmaceutical care for which access to the data may be necessary to the extent that the information relates specifically to a current patient for whom the pharmacist is providing pharmaceutical care may access the PMP:
     
    • If the patient has consented to access to the submitted data; OR
    • If the pharmacist is consulted by a prescriber who is requesting data in accordance with their permissible use clause.
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  • 10. I received a communication by U.S. Mail or email regarding the requirement to review the PMP. Is this legit or am I being scammed?

    Answer: The Board of Pharmacy, Prescription Monitoring Program continues to work with academic organizations to send messages to providers based on prescribing and PMP utilization. These letters are sent from the Board and are not intended to suggest how you should conduct your practice, but rather to offer information about required registration and/or use of the MN PMP.
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  • 11. What is a NarxCare Report

    Answer: A NarxCare Report is an enhanced visualization of PMP data with risk indicators, graphs, summaries, and a line-by-line view of prescription data.  NarxCare scores and reports are meant to aid, not replace, clinical decision making. None of the information presented should be used as sole justification for providing or refusing care. The scores are intended to raise provider awareness regarding PMP data. A concerning score should never result in a decision; rather, it should trigger a discussion with your patient. You should always look at the PMP data to assess which use patterns are leading to the NarxScore. Additional information can be found on the PMP AWARxE Searchers page under AWARxE Tools & Help, NarxCare.
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  • 12. Why did I receive a notification to update and confirm my AWARxE profile information or why am I no longer able to perform patient searches?

    Answer: MN Statutes Sect. 152.126 requires licensees to register for and maintain an MN PMP account. To maintain an active account, an annual profile Update & Confirm is required 

        Action Required:

    • Watch for notification via email that it is time to perform your Update & Confirm. (30, 7, and 1 days prior to your review deadline.)
      • Once received, login to your account and you will be prompted to review, edit if necessary, and then confirm your profile details. 
      • Ability to generate and view patient reports (via the AWARxE web-portal and integrated through your electronic health record or pharmacy dispensing software) will be locked if review is not completed within 30 days of first notice. 
    • If your access to PMP data is locked, simply login to your account. Once you complete your review access will be restored.
    • If you need assistance accessing your MN PMP AWARxE account, submit an assistance request form for expedited assistance. 
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