New E-Prescribing Laws Affecting Pennsylvania Physicians

Important to all Physicians in Pennsylvania

We have become aware of a new regulation applicable to e-prescribing controlled substances. Per the e-prescribing law Act 96 of 2018, practitioners, excluding veterinarians, will be required to issue electronic prescriptions for Schedule II-V controlled substances beginning on October 24, 2019. This will replace the traditional paper prescription pads.

As stated on the Pennsylvania Medical Society Website –“Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS) is a prescriber’s ability to electronically send an accurate, error-free and understandable Schedule II-V controlled substance prescriptions directly to a pharmacy from the point-of-care. It is an important element in improving the quality of patient care, and in order to help combat the current drug epidemic, health care clinicians need up-to-date tools and technology that support appropriate prescribing of controlled substances. EPCS has the potential to minimize medication errors for patients, and reduce prescription forgery, diversion, and theft in Pennsylvania.”

If you are not currently e-prescribing and would like additional information, please contact Christine Fisher@cfisher@sticomputer.com or 800-487-9135 Ex 1195