Massachusetts Division of Medical Assistance
Drug Utilization Review Program
Introduction
The Massachusetts Drug Utilization Review (DUR) program was established in response to the requirements of the Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA '90). The main goal of the Massachusetts DUR program is to ensure that Medicaid recipients are receiving appropriate, medically necessary, prescription drug therapy. To achieve this goal, two programs have been implemented.
Prospective DUR (ProDUR): Prior to dispensing prescription medication, the pharmacist is required to screen for possible drug therapy problems including incorrect dosing, over/under-utilization, drug-drug interactions, drug-disease interactions, duplicate therapy, and possible abuse.
Retrospective DUR (RetroDUR): This program occurs after the prescription is dispensed and targets patterns involving the prescribers, pharmacists, and Medicaid recipients. Under guidelines of the DUR Board, educational interventions are executed to promote proper use of prescription medicines. Such interventions include providing educational material to pharmacists, providers, and recipients.
DUR Board: Acting in an advisory capacity, The Board assists in the development of clinical guidelines to be used in the DUR Program. Meeting quarterly, the Board is comprised of a minimum of twelve members: represented by physicians and pharmacists of various specialties of the medical community.