How will new drug-monitoring procedures affect clinics?

Pharmacy
A new drug monitoring program will require pharmacies to report prescriptions they fill for controlled substances to a state database.
MPR Photo/Tom Scheck

A new drug monitoring program goes into effect in Minnesota on Monday. It will require pharmacies to report prescriptions they fill for controlled substances to a state database.

Doctors will then be able to check and see if a patient has had prescriptions for addictive painkillers filled too frequently.

Dr. Jon Hallberg, regular medical analyst on All Things Considered, talked with Tom Crann more about the Minnesota Prescription Monitoring Program, and how it's likely to affect clinics.