NYS Prescription Monitoring Program Registry Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if the DOH Health Commerce System (HCS) or PMP Registry is not operational at the time of
prescribing, can I still prescribe?
A: Yes, you can still prescribe, use your medical judgment and document in the patients chart the
reason why you could not consult. The duty to consult the PMP Registry shall not apply to a situation
where the registry is not operational as determined by the department or where it cannot be accessed
by the practitioner due to a temporary technological or electrical failure, as set forth in the regulations.
Q: What are the penalties if I willfully do not consult the PMP Registry when I prescribe a Schedule II,
III, or IV?
A: There are no specific penalties attached to failing to comply with I-STOP. However, a violation of the
provisions of this law is the same penalty as for any violation of the Public Health Law.
Q: Can I designate someone to check the PMP Registry for me?
A: Yes. Effective August 27, 2013 practitioners and pharmacists can designate staff to look up patients
on the PMP registry on their behalf.
Designees for Practitioners: The designee, if unlicensed, will need to work with the HCS coordinator
from their facility, or prescribing practitioner, to establish their own HCS account. After the designee
obtains an HCS account user ID, the practitioner will need to log into the HCS, open the PMP application,
and click on the Designation tab. On the designation screen, the practitioner will enter the HCS user ID
of the individual that will be performing the look up on their behalf as a designee.
How a Licensed Practitioner Adds a Designee in the NYS PMP Registry.
Designees for Pharmacists: Designees for pharmacists, which are limited to other pharmacists and
pharmacy interns, will need to work with the HCS coordinator for the pharmacy to establish their own
HCS Account. After the designee obtains an HCS account user ID, the pharmacist will need to log into
the HCS, open the PMP application, and click on the Designation tab. On the designation screen, the
pharmacist will enter the HCS user ID of the individual that will be performing the look up on their behalf
as a designee.
Q: Can I share the report reflecting my patient’s controlled substance history with my patient?
A: Yes. Release of the information is allowed to your patients but should be based on your professional
medical judgment. All state and federal confidentiality rules must be adhered to.
Q: What type of information will the report provide?
A: Effective August 27, 2013 or sooner, patient search reports will include all controlled substances that
were dispensed and reported by the pharmacy/dispenser for the past 6 months. Pharmacy and
practitioner information will be provided as well.
Q: How is the controlled substance data in the PMP Registry obtained?
A: All New York State pharmacies and dispensing practitioners are required to submit their controlled
substance dispensing data to the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.