ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In the 1980s, Tennessee ranked among the top 10 states in per capita consumption of several controlled substances. We describe efforts designed to reduce non-criminally motivated misprescribing in Tennessee, present Tennessee's recent Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) rankings, and suggest how physicians may reduce misprescribing. METHODS: Tennessee's Board of Medical Examiners (BME) consults with Tennessee Physician Health Program (PHP) and refers selected physicians to a continuing medical education (CME) program offered at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. The BME has also published a clear set of prescribing guidelines. RESULTS: Of more than 160 CME participants, only two have reappeared before the BME for prescribing infractions. Tennessee's overall DEA ranking improved from 7th highest to 17th from 1994 to 1997. CONCLUSIONS: The reasons the rankings improved cannot be established, but the changes occurred at the same time as the BME, PHP, and Vanderbilt CME collaborations. We will continue to promote professional and patient health throughout the region.
