Software Integration Resources

Empowering Prescribers & Pharmacists to Prevent Controlled Substance Abuse

Since 2015, the integration of the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS) directly into electronic medical records and pharmacy dispensing systems has been available across the state, allowing instant access for prescribers and pharmacists. To assist hospitals, prescriber offices and pharmacies utilize the integration service, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy has created the following frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions regarding OARRS integration, please email the Board at info@pharmacy.ohio.gov.

To Begin the Integration Process

  1. Click Create an Account in the top righthand corner of the page in the Customer Connect Portal.
  2. Follow the on-screen prompts to gather the needed information for your integration request.
  3. Within Customer Connect, you will be sent an email to e-sign the Terms and Conditions via HelloSign.
  4. The Board of Pharmacy will review your request and if approved, the state will countersign the Terms and Conditions and you will be emailed information on next steps.
  5. All employees that will be requesting OARRS reports through the integrated system, must have their own OARRS account. https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/Oarrs/Registration/Default.
    This should be done in advance of the countersigned and fully executed Terms and Conditions document.

Frequently Asked Questions - OARRS Integration

  • What product is being used to conduct the integration?
    • The State is utilizing an integration service called PMP Gateway® that is operated by Bamboo. More information about the service can be accessed here: https://bamboohealth.com/solutions/pmp-gateway.
  • Is there a cost for the integration service?
    • The Ohio Board of Pharmacy will cover the cost of on-going maintenance fees from Bamboo for every Ohio prescriber and pharmacist connecting to OARRS via the PMP Gateway service. The Board of Pharmacy will also cover the cost of initial integration with the most widely utilized electronic health record and pharmacy system vendors operating in Ohio.
  • Does the PMP Gateway integration service offer the same features as the Ohio PMP Aware (manual patient look-up)?
    • PMP Gateway is an integration service that instantly provides a patient’s OARRS report within the electronic system used by the prescriber or pharmacist. This includes all of the features in Aware, such as clinical alerts like the Non-Fatal Overdose Flag, Overdose Risk Score, the Narxcare report, as well as Resources Available.
  • Does the use of this integration service satisfy the mandatory requirements to review a patient’s information in OARRS?
    • Yes. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy requires Bamboo to be able to provide the identification of the prescriber or pharmacist who accessed a patient’s report. Therefore, use of this service satisfies the mandatory use requirements in the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code. Prescribers and pharmacists need to have their own OARRS account in the event there is a disruption in the integration service.
  • What is NarxCare?
    • NarxCare is a report provided as part of the Gateway Integration service. NarxCare allows visualization of the patient’s PDMP data with exposure scores for prescribing and dispensing of substances (e.g. Narcotics, Sedatives, and Stimulants) and an Overdose Risk Score as it relates to the patient. This information is provided to support the healthcare provider with clinical decision making surrounding safe prescribing. More information about NarxCare can be accessed here: https://bamboohealth.com/solutions/narxcare.
  • What is Provider Authorization?
    • Provider Authorization is a process that verifies each requestor has an active OARRS account and a valid license number, NPI number, and/or DEA number.

    It ensures that only authorized users are accessing patient data.