Healthcare Professionals and Facilities
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Do I have to purchase software to comply with Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances?
Your software vendor may charge you for the ability to comply with Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances. At this time, you are not required to purchase any software because you can apply for the exemption.
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What should I do if I don't prescribe controlled substances?
If your computer system can comply with Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances then you do not need to do anything. If your software cannot comply with Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances then you should complete the questionnaire for a waiver.
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What if I am a prescriber and I work at multiple locations that don't all have the ability to comply with Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances?
Please complete the questionnaire for an exemption. In the locations where you can comply with Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substance you will be required to do so.
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Are oral or facsimile (fax) prescriptions for controlled substances still permitted for Schedule III, IV, or V medications?
Drug Control Laws and Regulations Healthcare Professionals and Facilities
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Are oral prescriptions for controlled substances still permitted for Schedule II medications?
Drug Control Laws and Regulations Healthcare Professionals and Facilities
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How do prescribers know if their software is compliant with the requirements for Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances?
You should contact your software vendor as they should be able to provide you with information.
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What should a prescriber do if the pharmacy a patient wants to use is closed?
If the prescription is of an urgent nature, they can either locate another pharmacy or utilize a different exemption such as the exemption where Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances may negatively impact patient care.
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Is it mandatory for pharmacies to receive electronic prescriptions for controlled substances?
Yes.
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Does an electronic prescription require a written follow-up prescription to be sent to the pharmacy?
No.
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What should I do if my Electronic Health Record has temporary periods of “downtime” or temporary periods of time where Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances is unavailable?
This is considered "technological failure or electrical failure". If your "downtime" is scheduled, it is recommended that you share that information with pharmacies within your area if possible. Please see above.
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Is an electronic facsimile of a prescription considered an electronic prescription?
No. A facsimile is a copy of an original prescription.
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Can a prescriber change/update my questionnaire for Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances?
Yes. If you log in to your account for your Controlled Substance Registration for Practitioner you can update your account at any time.
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What procedure must a prescriber follow when lacking the ability or “technological capacity” to comply with the requirements set forth for Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (ECPS)?
The prescriber must file an exemption with the Department of Consumer Protection’s Drug Control Division. The exemption process can be found under "Exemption Instructions".
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What does “technological capacity” mean?
Drug Control Laws and Regulations Healthcare Professionals and Facilities
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What exceptions exist for Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substance (EPCS)?
Here is a list of exceptions for using the Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substance (EPCS)
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What procedure must a prescriber follow when the issuance of an electronic Schedule II-V controlled substance prescription negatively impacts patient care?
Drug Control Laws and Regulations Healthcare Professionals and Facilities