Trust The Leading DEA EPCS Auditor
Find out why more EPCS developers trust Drummond with their EPCS certification than any other auditor.
Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION with an expert Drummond EPCS auditor today.
Efficient Certification Process for Secure, Compliant, and Interoperable Electronic Prescriptions
Achieving and maintaining the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS) compliance doesn’t have to be an overly time consuming and complex process.
With 310 active EPCS certifications, Drummond has certified more EPCS systems than any other auditor.
Drummond’s EPCS certification process is tailored to minimize time investment while ensuring your electronic prescription software meets stringent regulatory standards.
Resources
- Insights & Guidance
EPCS Market Survey
- News & Announcements
Pawscripts Becomes First Veterinary Prescribing Software to Earn Drummond Certification for EPCS
- Special Offers
Special Offer — EPCS Testing & Certification
- Blog
The Opioid Crisis and Its Role in Shaping EPCS Regulations
- Updates
Recent Cyberattack is a Sobering Reminder to Stay Vigilant
- Updates
EPCS 12 Year Anniversary
- Updates
Review of the EPCS Security Criteria & Understanding Processing Integrity
- Updates
DEA Announcement on Transfer of Controlled Substance Prescriptions
- Blog
Third-Party Validation—Your Strategic Advantage
- Blog
The DEA Final Rule: Achieving or Maintaining Compliance While Expecting Change
The Drummond Difference
Drummond helps electronic prescription software providers meet stringent EPCS regulatory requirements with ease. Our streamlined process reduces the time and effort needed to achieve compliance, allowing most certifications to be completed in just two live calls with our expert auditors. With far more EPCS certifications than any other auditor, we’ve established ourselves as the leading provider trusted by developers across the industry.
- Most certifications completed in just two calls
- No lengthy forms or self-audits
- Comprehensive compliance audits tailored to your needs
- Industry leader with more than 310 active EPCS certifications
Streamlined Certification Process
At Drummond, we prioritize efficiency. Unlike other auditors, our certification process requires no pre-work, product screenshots, or multiple form submissions. Our expert-led, live-call approach means most certifications are completed in just two calls (sometimes three), significantly reducing your workload and helping you achieve compliance faster.
Expert-Led Audits with Minimal Effort
Our EPCS audits are conducted almost entirely through direct interaction with our expert auditors, eliminating the need for burdensome self-audits or additional documentation. This hands-on approach allows us to deliver a faster, smoother experience for your team.
Trusted by More Developers
Drummond is the predominant leader in EPCS certifications, trusted by over 300 electronic prescription software developers. Our leadership in the market is a testament to the trust developers place in us over other EPCS auditors to get them certified swiftly and accurately.
Ensuring Thorough Compliance
Our auditors have a keen eye for detail, often identifying issues that others might overlook. While thorough, we work closely with your team to resolve any potential problems, ensuring compliance without adding unnecessary complexity. This proactive approach helps avoid any future compliance risks with the DEA.
Services
Initial Full EPCS Certification
The initial full certification process is for e-prescription developers, including EHR vendors and pharmacy solutions developed in-house. Drummond provides expert guidance at every step, simplifying compliance with the DEA’s Interim Final Rule 21 CFR Parts 1311 and ensuring a smooth path to securely process controlled substance prescriptions. With over a decade (since 2012) of DEA-approved certifications, Drummond offers the experience and support needed to help you achieve certification and confidently navigate regulatory requirements.
Full EPCS Re-Certification
Software vendors that have previously received EPCS certification are required to recertify every two years. Drummond offers a seamless recertification process, helping you maintain compliance without disruption to your business. This service is vital for keeping your software compliant with the DEA’s regulations over time.
EPCS Integration Review of e-Prescription Module
If you integrate a third-party EPCS module (e.g. NewCrop, DrFirst) into your EHR application, this limited review ensures your integration complies with DEA requirements. We focus on critical areas such as administrative functions and two-factor authentication (2FA), helping you meet the necessary standards without the need for a full certification.
FAQs
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.
What types of software must be ECPS certified?
EPCS certification applies to software used for the transmission or receipt of electronic controlled substance prescriptions. Any software product used to electronically prescribe controlled substances in the U.S. must be certified, including:
EHRs
Standalone e-prescribing systems
Veterinary practice management software
Individual providers or pharmacies are not required to undergo certification.
Does Drummond offer support before the formal certification process begins?
Yes. Drummond offers optional pre-certification advisory sessions to help your team understand EPCS requirements and improve readiness before starting your formal audit.
You can also speak with a Drummond EPCS expert before engaging us for your EPCS certification and get a customized Action Plan. Schedule your FREE Consultation.
How is Drummond’s EPCS certification process different from others?
Drummond’s process is faster, more collaborative, and trusted by more electronic prescription developers than any other DEA-approved certifier. Most audits are completed in just two live sessions.
What are the most common issues that cause EPCS certification delays?
Common challenges include:
- Incomplete or unclear documentation
- Gaps in authentication workflows
- Logging inconsistencies
- Incorrect implementation of audit requirements
How does the state mandate effect 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 substance 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 a specific software is certified for EPCS?
The Drummond Group list of certified EPCS products may be found at: https://www.drummondgroup.com/certified-products/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.
Safeguard Against Controlled Substance Misuse
The DEA requires electronic prescription software providers, including those offering pharmacy applications and EHR systems, to be certified for the electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) under the 21 CFR 1311 regulation.
Compliance is critical to prevent the diversion and abuse of controlled substances. Whether you’re developing your own e-prescribing application or functionality or integrating a third-party module, Drummond provides the certification services you need to ensure compliance with DEA standards.
Speak with a Drummond Expert
Experience the difference with a Drummond EPCS certification.
Share your contact information with us, and a Drummond representative will schedule a time to speak with you about how the Drummond EPCS Certified status can help you build trust with your existing and future customers.