The Texas PMP is a statewide electronic database that collects and monitors controlled substance dispensation. It also serves as a patient care tool to inform prescribing practice and to address prescription drug misuse, diversion, and overdose. The Texas PMP helps prescribers and pharmacists avoid potentially life-threatening drug interactions, decide when to make referrals to specialty treatment providers, and identify individuals obtaining controlled substances from multiple health care providers and pharmacies.

The CHC is funded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in partnership with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy to promote meaningful use of the Texas PMP, with the ultimate goal of preventing prescription drug misuse and overdose.

Formative research with prescribers across the State of Texas revealed the following key persuasive messages:

• Benefits of using the Texas PMP for patients and prescribers
• Information about how using the Texas PMP protects prescribers’ practices
• Framing the Texas PMP as a public health tool to help address the opioid crisis
• Information and training on having challenging conversations with patients about prescription opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose

At campaign launch, only 46% of physicians and 73% of pharmacists were registered to use the Texas PMP. Early campaign messaging focused on promoting registration and emphasizing the benefits and impact of the Texas PMP.

In 2020, House Bill 2561 from the 85th Texas Legislature mandated that prescribers and pharmacists check the Texas PMP before prescribing or dispensing opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates or carisoprodol. This resulted in a significant increase in registrations and queries, allowing campaign focus to shift to promoting meaningful use of the Texas PMP as a patient care tool.