EPCS Background and Related FAQs
Staying on track with new privacy and security mandates can be dizzying for all physicians and their office staff. For instance, federal law historically required that a prescription for a controlled substance be issued in writing and this requirement could only be fulfilled by the issuance of a paper prescription. In 2010, the federal law requiring a prescription for a controlled substance be issued in writing was changed. The Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) electronic prescribing for controlled substances (EPCS) ruling permitted physicians to submit their prescriptions to pharmacies electronically. With this innovative EPCS rule, the DEA permitted pharmacies to receive and dispense electronic prescriptions instantly helping increase security measures and drug monitoring protocols.
Drummond’s EPCS experts are ready to help doctors, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists stay on track as they navigate through the federal and state and requirements surrounding controlled substance e-prescribing. Our unique approach and detail-oriented services will help your staff gain expertise and a deeper understanding of the DEA regulations, including any updates as they are introduced.
The following is a list of frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) designed by Drummond’s experts to illustrate the benefits of the EPCS ruling after all these years:
What is EPCS?
Electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) was adopted by the DEA to allow pharmacies to receive, dispense and archive the electronic transmission of prescriptions in a digital, trackable manner for the prescriber and the pharmacy. Essentially, it eliminates paper prescriptions.
The significance and benefits of e-prescribing was included in the federal government’s mandate, “H.R. 3528, Every Prescription Conveyed Securely Act” – the first deadline was Jan. 1, 2020.
Using appropriate technology is critical and benefits managers, pharmacies and healthcare providers must deploy appropriate software and technology to fulfill requirements to use EPCS for the Medicare Part D program, which took effect Jan. 1, 2021. However, the compliance date has been changed and set for Jan. 1, 2022, to encourage prescribers to implement EPCS sooner than later and allow physicians more time to fulfill compliance requirements without penalty.
How do I know if I need to be EPCS certified?
EPCS certification applies to software used for the transmission or receipt of electronic controlled substance prescriptions. Individual providers or pharmacies are not required to undergo certification.
How does the state mandate affect me as a prescriber?
The state mandates for EPCS will require you to implement an EPCS certified product and use it for transmission of controlled substance prescriptions.
What if my software doesn’t support controlled substances prescribing?
If your software does not support controlled substance e-prescribing, you may be out of compliance with state EPCS mandates or the federal mandate for prescriptions covered under Medicare Part D.
How do I know if my software is certified for EPCS?
The Drummond Group list of certified EPCS products may be found at: https://www.drummondgroup.com/certified-products-2/epcs/ Additionally, products that support EPCS are listed here: https://surescripts.com/network-alliance/eprescribing-prescriber-software/.
What options, if any, exist for my practice?
You may implement a certified EPCS solution or encourage your existing electronic health record (EHR) provider to implement and become certified for EPCS functionality. And, encourage your software provider to reach out to Drummond at epcs@drummondgroup.com.
Is there a list of certified EPCS software products or additional information?
Here is a link to Drummond Certified™ EPCS software: https://www.drummondgroup.com/certified-products-2/epcs/
In addition, Drummond case studies are available and illustrate the benefits of being certified for EPCS: https://www.drummondgroup.com/resource-portfolio/a-proven-partner-for-epcs-compliance-with-a-customer-focused-auditing-methodology/
Additional questions? You may email us anytime: epcs@drummondgroup.com