Dec. 16, 2015

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, known as E-FORSCE (Electronic-Florida Online Reporting of Controlled Substance Evaluation), has delivered its 2014-2015 annual report to the Governor, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives. Evidence continues to accumulate proving E-FORCSE as effective in improving clinical decision-making, reducing multiple provider episodes and diversion of controlled substances, and assisting in other efforts to curb the prescription drug abuse epidemic. 

“Over the past few years, we have seen substantial progress in our efforts to eliminate prescription drug abuse and misuse in Florida,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “While there is still work to be done, the department remains committed to protecting our communities from drug abuse while ensuring access for patients with valid prescriptions.”

Report highlights include:

• 65 percent of dispensers are reporting controlled substance dispensing information within 24 hours;
• Outreach and education was provided to 77,063 stakeholders, health care professionals, law enforcement officers and investigative agency personnel, resulting in a 16.9 percent increase in registration and 99.3 percent increase in requests for information;
• 65 percent reduction in individuals who have visited five or more prescribers and five or more pharmacies within a 90-day period;
• 34.2 percent reduction in the average morphine milligram equivalents prescribed;
• 14.5 percent decrease in dispensing of hydrocodone-acetaminophen; and
• 12 percent decrease in deaths caused by oxycodone.

The success of E-FORCSE is reflected in a significant increase in the program’s registration and utilization resulting in a decrease in multiple provider episodes, decrease in morphine milligram equivalents, and reduction in oxycodone overdose deaths. E-FORCSE continues to be a critical tool in the fight to protect health and safety by reducing doctor shopping and controlled substance related deaths, while supporting sound clinical practice in the prescribing of controlled substances.

For more information on E-FORCSE, click here.

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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