Evidence status: CURRENT STATEWIDE PDMP AND INITIAL-PRESCRIBING FRAMEWORK. Colorado requires prescribers to query the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program before prescribing opioids or benzodiazepines, subject to statutory exceptions.

Every opioid or benzodiazepine prescription

Colorado expanded the PDMP requirement so practitioners must query the program before prescribing an opioid or benzodiazepine, not merely before a second fill. Repeated failure to comply can constitute unprofessional conduct or grounds for discipline.

Initial opioid supply rule

C.R.S. §12-30-109 generally limits an initial opioid prescription to a seven-day supply for a patient who has not obtained an opioid prescription from that prescriber within the prior 12 months, with discretion for a second seven-day fill.

Major exceptions

The initial-supply limit does not apply when, in the prescriber’s judgment, the patient has chronic pain lasting longer than 90 days or beyond normal healing, is transferring care from another prescriber in the same profession, has cancer-related pain, has qualifying postsurgical pain, or is receiving palliative or hospice care under the statutory conditions.

PDMP is separate from Contract for Care

The PDMP query duty applies independently of any signed opioid agreement. A workers’ compensation claimant may be subject to both the workers’ compensation agreement framework and the statewide PDMP requirement.

Primary sources

• SB 22-027 — Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
• Colorado Revised Statutes — §12-30-109

Reviewed: October 5, 2026.