Overview

The Texas Prescription Program was created by the Texas Legislature in 1982 to monitor Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions. Effective September 1, 2008, the Texas Legislature expanded the Program to include the monitoring of Schedule III through Schedule V controlled substance prescriptions. Diversion of prescription drugs is a significant abuse problem, and this program was created to be an efficient, cost effective tool for investigating and preventing drug diversion. Although controlled substances have valid medical uses, they also have potential for abuse and addiction. Federal controls monitor the substances from manufacture through distribution to retail facilities; however, most pharmaceutical drug diversion occurs at the retail/consumer level. The Program seeks to control misuse by following controlled substances to the point of ultimate use. The Texas Prescription Program can be used by practitioners and pharmacists to verify their own records and inquire about patients. In addition, the program can be used to generate and disseminate information regarding prescription trends.

Access to information is statutorily restricted, and is available to practitioners and pharmacists who are inquiring about their patients, and to various regulatory and law enforcement personnel.