January 6, 2015

2015 is here, and in a few months, so will New York's requirement that all controlled and non-controlled substances be "ePrescribed".  Many of you are already writing electronic prescriptions, so this news is not new or unwelcome.  But for those reading who have no idea what I am referencing, that is why we send this newsletter!  

Straight from the source - As of March 27, 2015 it will be mandatory for practitioners, excluding veterinarians, to issue electronic prescriptions for controlled and non-controlled substances. 

Why are we changing to electronic?  

Q4: Why will electronic prescribing of controlled and non-controlled substances be mandatory effective March 27, 2015?

A4: ...Utilizing modern prescription technology has the potential to minimize medication errors for patients in New York State. Electronic prescribing also allows for the integration of prescription records directly into the patient’s electronic medical record. Electronic prescribing has the potential to reduce prescription theft and forgery. 

What do I need to do?

Q5: I currently electronically prescribe non-controlled substances. Are there any additional steps I need to complete in order to electronically prescribe controlled substances? 
A5: Yes. 
• First, the software you currently use must meet all the federal security requirements for EPCS, which can be found on the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) web page. 
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ecomm/e_rx/
Note that federal security requirements include a third party audit or DEA certification of the software. 
• Second, you must complete the identity proofing process as defined in the federal requirements.
• Third, you must obtain a two-factor authentication as defined in the federal requirements.
• Fourth, you must register your DEA certified EPCS software with the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE). Registration instructions are included in the FAQs.

For more information, view the DOH's FAQs - https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/narcotic/electronic_prescribing/docs/epcs_faqs.pdf

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