Donnelly noted his support of PDMPs as a tool for fighting prescription drug abuse across the nation, then asked, “To better understand the current issues with the INSPECT program, I respectfully request to be briefed on the findings of the INSPECT operational and security audit reports that have been conducted to date, as well as the State’s plan to address any identified deficiencies.”

Donnelly also noted, “Recognizing the potential value of these programs as one component of a strategy to address prescription drug abuse nation-wide, I recently introduced the Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse Prevention, Education, and Enforcement Act in the United States Senate. This legislation seeks to ensure that states continue to receive federal funding to enhance their PDMPs by authorizing the Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Harold Rogers grants help to strengthen programs like INSPECT and its partner PDMPs.”

Full text of the letter follows.

June 9, 2015

The Honorable Mike Pence

Governor of Indiana

200 West Washington Street

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Dear Governor Pence,

Prescription drug abuse continues to be a major public health and safety concern facing Indiana and many areas of the country. In recent years, we have seen this issue affect a range of diverse communities, from large cities to rural towns. As prescription drug abuse-related medical emergencies and deaths remain a serious issue in our state, it is crucial that Indiana takes the necessary steps to effectively address these problems by strengthening its own prevention strategy and working with local, regional and federal partners.

INSPECT, Indiana’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP), is a critical component of Indiana’s strategy to combat prescription drug abuse. INSPECT serves as a valuable resource for Hoosier medical professionals and law enforcement officials who rely on the program to provide accurate and up-to-date information describing patient prescription drug usage in Indiana and across numerous partner states. I am a strong supporter of PDMPs as a tool for fighting prescription drug abuse across the nation. Recognizing the potential value of these programs as one component of a strategy to address prescription drug abuse nation-wide, I recently introduced the Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse Prevention, Education, and Enforcement Act in the United States Senate. This legislation seeks to ensure that states continue to receive federal funding to enhance their PDMPs by authorizing the Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Harold Rogers grants help to strengthen programs like INSPECT and its partner PDMPs.

Recently, however, concerns have arisen regarding the administration of the INSPECT program and the security of its patient information database. Given the growing presence of prescription drug abuse in our state, it is critical that any deficiencies that may jeopardize the effectiveness of the program or the integrity of its patient information database be addressed. Furthermore, while I am encouraged that Indiana has been proactive in partnering with PDMPs in other states, it is important to recognize that deficiencies in program security and integrity pose risks that extend beyond Indiana’s borders.

To better understand the current issues with the INSPECT program, I respectfully request to be briefed on the findings of the INSPECT operational and security reports that have been conducted to date, as well as the State’s plan to address any identified deficiencies. I encourage you to continue working with the Indiana General Assembly so that INSPECT may receive the necessary resources and support it needs to be effectively managed and ensure that patient data stored in the system is secure. By working together, we can better respond to prescription drug abuse and help improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers. 

Sincerely,

Joe Donnelly

United States Senator