State-by-state, physicians will find differing standards on when they’re required to check prescription drug monitoring databases before prescribing opioids, even as their professional organizations continue to fight mandatory requirements.

According to the Washington Post, 18 states now require opioid prescribers to check these databases to ensure patients aren’t getting potentially addictive drugs from other doctors. 13 more states have mandatory checks in limited circumstances. Researchers say making physicians check the databases has been proven to cut down on “doctor shopping” and change prescribing habits.

The American College of Physicians and American Medical Association (AMA), however, continue to support only voluntary checks, arguing it places another burden on already overwhelmed physicians.

“We have taken doctors and turned them into clerical staff and typists,” said Steven Stack, MD, past president of the AMA. “We are locked down at a computer, playing the equivalent of a very boring video game on very bad technology.”

For more on the battle between lawmakers and physicians in addressing opioid prescriptions and addiction, click on the link below: