Are You Required to ePrescribe? Understanding the Laws in Your State

In much the same way as licensing procedures are different state by state and require adherence to their specific laws, the same holds true for ePrescribing mandates. From requiring ePrescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) to mandating checks of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP), every state has its own requirements and, unfortunately for compliance officers and practice managers, those regulations are constantly evolving. As more and more states come aboard, the landscape will continue to shift and knowing how to stay on top of ePrescribe laws in your state can be a challenge. It doesn’t have to be, though, not with the right software or the right solution partner.

Quick Links

• What is ePrescribing?
• Why Are Some States Mandating ePrescriptions?
• What Are the Benefits of ePrescribing?
• What are PMP Requirements (By State)?
• What are ePrescribe Laws, By State?
• How to Stay On Top of ePrescribe Laws and Regulations

What is ePrescribing?

ePrescribing or electronic prescribing is the name for healthcare and dental providers ability to write and submit prescriptions electronically. On the receiving end, it means that pharmacists can also accept and fill prescriptions received electronically.

ePrescribing has not only streamlined the prescription process for providers but also improved patient care, making the process more convenient for them as well.

Why Are Some States Mandating ePrescriptions?

ePrescribing significantly reduces the chance of forged or misused prescriptions. Secure ePrescribing software can only be accessed by a doctor who has his or her own unique ID. Select staff who stage prescriptions will also have their own unique ID in order to log in. 

Given the high level of security and safety of ePrescribing, states began mandating ePrescriptions to help combat the opioid epidemic. This mandate is known as Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances or EPCS. When prescribing controlled substances, the security increases with two-factor authentication requirements for the doctor. Every ePrescription for any kind of medication is logged, providing an audit trail if needed. 

To further protect doctors from unintentionally overprescribing, states may also require doctors to check the prescription monitoring or prescription drug monitoring program (PMP/PDMP) database prior to prescribing controlled substances. 

For many states, ePrescriptions began with a mandate covering only prescribing controlled substances electronically. Seeing the rewards and benefits of those programs, some states are requiring ALL prescriptions be written and transmitted electronically.

What Are the Benefits of ePrescribing?

Not only does ePrescribing help physicians, dentists, and other providers monitor for prescription drug abuse, but it’s also far easier for providers to track a patient’s medication history for other concerns such as interactions and treatment plans for recurrent conditions. Doctors can often access a patient's general prescription history through a national pharmacy database. That’s in addition to rapidly accessing the PDMP for controlled substance history checks. Having quick access to all of these information touchpoints helps reduce medication errors and adverse drug events, and improves formulary adherence by prescribers.

Additionally, ePrescriptions are easier for patients; gone are multiple trips or long waits at the pharmacy as the prescription has been received by the pharmacist before the patient has even left your office. Similarly, there’s no risk of losing paper prescriptions.

ePrescriptions also improve:

• Accuracy- no need to translate difficult to read handwriting
• Safety- pharmacists and providers can immediately respond to contraindications or potential interactions
• Efficiency- with mobile technology including tablets and phones, providers can handle prescriptions on the go without being tied to a desktop

Beyond the potential for ePrescriptions to help combat prescription drug abuse, doctor shopping, and overprescribing medications, the benefits are wide reaching which is why many states have begun to mandate their use.

What are ePrescribe Laws, By State?

Many states have opted to require ePrescribing only controlled substances while other states have progressed to require all prescriptions to be handled electronically. It’s important to understand, as a prescriber, what you’re required to do, especially as ePrescribing and EPCS laws change regularly.

What are PMP Requirements (By State)?

Because the big push to ePrescribe was led by the goal to fight the opioid epidemic, ePrescriptions are often accompanied by a requirement to check the state’s PMP or PDMP. Prescription monitoring programs allow providers and prescribers to check a patient's prescriptions by type and number, alerting them when a patient may be over-prescribed or abusing the drugs or system.

With the right ePrescription software, PMP checks can be built right into your workflow. Currently, 45 states require physicians, dentists, and other healthcare providers to check the PMP before prescribing controlled substances.

The only states that do not require this PMP/PDMP check are:

• Kansas
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Oregon
• Wyoming

How to Stay On Top of ePrescribe Laws and Regulations

With some states changing their laws in the new year, and different enforcement dates based on whether you’re a medical or dental practice, keeping up with the laws can be difficult. There’s no doubt that, when it comes to running a medical or dental practice, you’re pulled in a lot of directions. From monitoring patients and practice to staying on top of HIPAA compliance, ePrescribe laws and regulations, which change rapidly, can be difficult to monitor. One of the easiest solutions is to make the switch to ePrescribing all prescriptions.

In addition to providing significant practice benefits, the right ePrescription solution partner can connect you, seamlessly, to your state’s PMP/PDMP, and ensure you’re compliant with your state’s prescribing, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

Partnerships are built on mutual support and shared goals. With over 90 endorsements from state associations, iCoreConnect is ready to be that partner. If you’re ready to let us help you stay on top of compliances and regulations, reach out for a demo today!