What is the primary purpose of the PRPA regarding narcotics?

The primary purpose of the PRPA, or the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, is to regulate the production, distribution, and use of narcotics and dangerous drugs. This involves overseeing the prescription of these substances to ensure they are used appropriately and to prevent misuse and abuse. By implementing regulatory measures, the PRPA aims to safeguard public health while ensuring that patients who genuinely need narcotics for medical reasons have appropriate access to them.

Other options, while they touch on aspects related to narcotics, do not capture the main focus of the PRPA. For instance, promoting the use of narcotics in healthcare may conflict with the goal of ensuring they are prescribed responsibly and judiciously. Providing education on drug use is certainly important but is a secondary function that supports the main regulatory mission rather than defining it. Conducting research on drug-related side effects is also valuable, but again, it serves as a means to inform regulations rather than being the primary purpose itself.