The proposed rule would authorize prescribers to electronically submit prescriptions for controlled substances directly to pharmacies. The DEA believes that e-prescribing will reduce prescription fraud and errors due to illegible handwriting.
PCMA opposes the rule, citing four concerns:
- E-prescribing standards will prevent pharmacies from being able to substitute generic drugs
- Real-time DEA registration verification of prescribers is not possible because the DEA database is only updated weekly, not in real-time
- Prescribers should be allowed to verify their identity and license in-person at a DEA registered facility where they hold privileges, a state or professional license board, or with state or local law enforcement
- If the e-prescribing system remains idle for 2 minutes, prescribers must re-authenticate their request, which would create a work burden
The proposed rule can be found here: http://frwebgate4.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=699774509331+0+1+0&WAISaction=retrieve
PCMA's Comments can be found here: http://www.pcmanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/finalpcma-docketno-dea-281.pdf
Source: Business Wire 2008
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