Reminder: e-Prescriptions for Controlled Substances Interim Final Rule Effective and Request for Comment Due June 1

May 19, 2010 3:07 PM Topics: Electronic prescriptions

On April 5, 2010, NABP reported that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Interim Final Rule with Request for Comment on electronic prescriptions for controlled substances was published in the Federal Register on March 31, 2010, and should take effect June 1, 2010, subject to Congressional review. As reported, the revised regulations would allow prescribers the option to write prescriptions for controlled substances electronically, and allow pharmacies to receive, dispense, and archive these electronic prescriptions. The regulations are an addition to existing rules and will maintain a closed system of controls on controlled substances dispensing. The regulations will reduce paperwork for pharmacies registered by DEA and have the potential to reduce prescription forgery. Additionally, the regulations have the potential to reduce the number of prescription errors and will help integrate prescription records into other medical records.

DEA requested additional comments regarding identity proofing, access control, authentication, biometric subsystems and testing of those subsystems, internal audit trails for electronic prescription applications, and third-party auditors and certification organizations. Comments on the rule should reference Docket No. DEA – 218 and will be accepted until June 1, 2010. The Interim Final Rule can be accessed in the Federal Register. DEA has created a Web page that contains links to additional information and resources.