Prescription Monitoring Programs Alliance Honors Scott Serich, Ph.D. of the IJIS Institute

June 13, 2012 - PRLog -- The IJIS Institute, a nonprofit organization that focuses on mission-critical information sharing for justice, public safety, and homeland security, announces that Scott Serich, Ph.D, a senior project manager at the Institute, was honored by the Alliance of States with Prescription Monitoring Programs (ASPMP) for his work in advancing the national sharing of prescription drug monitoring information.

The Prescription Drug Monitoring program was made possible through grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

Acting ASPMP President Dave Hopkins presented Dr. Serich with the esteemed President’s Award on June 5 at the Alliance’s annual business meeting in Washington, D.C. Serich received the award in recognition for his “leadership in developing the Prescription Monitoring Information Exchange National Architecture” and “instrumental role in assisting the state Prescription Drug Monitoring to implement interstate interoperability.”

Said IJIS Institute Executive Director Steve Ambrosini, “Abuse of prescription drugs impacts millions of Americans from all walks of life each year. The incidence of fatalities has increased dramatically over the last five years, and has actually eclipsed deaths from illicit drugs. In response, most states have recognized prescription drug abuse as a critical issue, and have enacted legislation, education and task force programs. This recognition by the ASPMP affirms the value of information sharing in this critical area.”

Dr. Serich was instrumental in implementing the PMP Information Exchange (PMIX) architecture solution that will help enable access to important information for the many PMP professionals around the country who are working to curb the losses from the epidemic of fatalities caused by unintentional prescription drug overdoses. Alliance members thanked Dr. Serich for his commitment to data sharing and recognized the importance of his efforts in reducing prescription drug abuse and diversion, and helping to save lives.

For over 20 years, Scott Serich has worked in information technology, software development, management consulting, and project and program management. He has earned three post-graduate degrees: a Ph.D. in Computer and Information Systems from the University of Michigan, an Executive MBA from Duke University, and a Juris Doctorate from Concord Law School. Dr. Serich, who holds Project Management Professional Certification, received the eC3 Excellence Award in 2008.

About the IJIS Institute—The IJIS Institute unites the private and public sectors to improve mission-critical information sharing for those who protect and serve our communities. The IJIS Institute provides training, technical assistance, national scope issue management, and program management services to help government fully realize the power of information sharing. Founded in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with national headquarters on The George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, the IJIS Institute has grown to nearly 200 member and affiliate companies across the United States. For more information, please visit www.IJIS.org.

About the Alliance of States with Prescription Monitoring Programs—The Alliance provides a forum for information sharing on prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) among state and federal agencies seeking to curtail drug diversion and abuse while ensuring patient care. For more information, please visit www.pmpalliance.org.