Bruzelius E, Levy NS, Okuda M, et al. - According to evidence identified, prescription drug monitoring is associated with reduced maltreatment prevalence at the state-level. Policies focused on limiting the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances, may have indirect implications for child welfare.

• Maltreatment data (2004-2018) were obtained from 50 states and the District of Columbia to compare the prevalence of total maltreatment incidents and total victims, in states with and without Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs), prior to and post-implementation.

• PDMP states showed greater reductions than controls (total PR: 0.87; victimization PR: 0.92).

• It seemed reductions were driven by alterations in neglect (PR: 0.87) and physical abuse (PR: 0.78) incidents, and could have been particularly salient for American Indian/Alaskan Native children (PR: 0.78).