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STOP Act e-prescribing requirement in effect Jan. 1
It’s here: the STOP Act e-prescribing requirement. Effective Wednesday, Jan. 1, all prescriptions for Schedule II and III opioids and certain other controlled substances such as buprenorphine are required to be issued via electronic prescription.
In recent weeks NCMB has heard from numerous concerned licensees, hospitals, healthcare facilities, pharmacies and others that many prescribers do not have e-prescribing capability in place and will not be able to comply with the law.
Although there is no exemption for prescribers who have not implemented e-prescribing due to cost or other factors, the law does provide some flexibility to ensure patients have access to needed medications. The STOP Act specifically authorizes pharmacies to fill any medically valid prescription. That is, if patients present a paper prescription, the pharmacy will be able to fill it. Please understand this is not a long-term solution. Prescribers are expected to make a good faith effort to comply with the law.
NCMB is not able to assist licensees with selecting an e-prescribing solution or offer advice on available solutions. NCMB has developed FAQs to address some of the most-asked questions regarding the STOP Act e-prescribing requirement.
In recent weeks NCMB has heard from numerous concerned licensees, hospitals, healthcare facilities, pharmacies and others that many prescribers do not have e-prescribing capability in place and will not be able to comply with the law.
Although there is no exemption for prescribers who have not implemented e-prescribing due to cost or other factors, the law does provide some flexibility to ensure patients have access to needed medications. The STOP Act specifically authorizes pharmacies to fill any medically valid prescription. That is, if patients present a paper prescription, the pharmacy will be able to fill it. Please understand this is not a long-term solution. Prescribers are expected to make a good faith effort to comply with the law.
NCMB is not able to assist licensees with selecting an e-prescribing solution or offer advice on available solutions. NCMB has developed FAQs to address some of the most-asked questions regarding the STOP Act e-prescribing requirement.