What is required before prescribing controlled substances in MA podiatry practice?

• A. Check the MA PMP before prescribing controlled substances and maintain accurate records in compliance.
• B. Obtain only verbal patient consent.
• C. No specific program requirement exists.
• D. Prescribe only after hospital committee approval.

Answer: (A)

In Massachusetts, prescribing controlled substances in podiatry is regulated to prevent misuse and “doctor shopping,” so you must check the Prescription Monitoring Program before issuing such prescriptions and keep accurate records of all controlled-substance activities. The PMP is a centralized database that shows all controlled-substance prescriptions a patient has received, helping you see potential red flags like overlapping medications, high doses, or prescriptions from other providers. By reviewing this data prior to prescribing, you can make safer, more informed decisions about initiating or continuing treatment, adjust plans as needed, and document that you performed the review in the patient’s chart.

This requirement isn’t about obtaining verbal consent from the patient, nor about hospital committee approvals or any notion that no program exists. It’s a legal duty tied to the act of prescribing controlled substances and to maintaining compliant, transparent records.