What Are The Requirements for Controlled Substance ePrescribing (EPCS)?
EPCS is governed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Interim Final Rule (IFR). The U.S. Department of Justice notes the following in regards to the IFR:
The rule revises DEA regulations to provide practitioners with the option of writing prescriptions for controlled substances electronically. The regulations also permit pharmacies to receive, dispense, and archive these electronic prescriptions. These regulations are an addition to, not a replacement of, the existing rules. The regulations provide pharmacies, hospitals, and practitioners with the ability to use modern technology for controlled substance prescriptions while maintaining the closed system of controls on controlled substances.
Highlights of the requirement include:
The technology must be certified as compliant for electronic prescribing of controlled substances
You (the provider) must complete an identity proofing process that authorizes you to prescribe controlled substances
You must use two-factor authentication when you sign an electronic prescription for a controlled substance
A detailed reporting system must be implemented to maintain compliance, prevent security risks, and provide the necessary information in the event of an audit
While those are the high-level requirements the best way to understand what’s required of you is to become familiar with the ins and outs of all DEA regulations.
But if, you don’t have time to do that right now, rest assured that iPrescribe is certified to send controlled substance eprescriptions. To get started:
Download iPrescribe from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
Register and identity proof for EPCS in the application (whenever you’d like, it takes about 30 mins on average)
We will set up with an app for 2FA and send you a code generator device in the mail
You’ll need to invite a reference to authorize you – this only happens one-time and anyone who knows you can be your reference!
On the home screen of the app, tap the “New Rx,” search for your patient, then begin writing your first controlled substance prescription!