New York State is one of the first states in the nation to encourage universal electronic prescriptions, this includes controlled substances. The law which enhances patients’ safety is currently scheduled to go into effect on March 27, 2015 but there may be delays as it is currently awaiting the governor’s signature. Once it becomes law, all prescribers will have to send their patient’s prescriptions to be filled at pharmacies, electronically. One of the goals of “E-prescribing” is to prevent theft of prescriptions for illicit use. Another benefit will be that it will eliminate illegible handwritten prescriptions from being filled incorrectly.
E-prescribing will help ensure that prescriptions are being written safely and will help both the prescriber and the pharmacy manage a patient’s medications. E-prescribing will also cut down on the amount of time spent calling between a pharmacy and a prescriber to verify prescriptions. It will make the filling of prescriptions easier for the patient and potentially help with compliance with taking medications. It will also help both the prescriber and the pharmacy to fill the prescription in a cost effective manner. All of these benefits ultimately will help the patient.
All prescribers need to enroll with Epic to capture their fingerprint, and install “Digipass” the numerical code app. Licensed providers (MD, DO, NP, PA, CNM, podiatrist, dentist) need to also register with NYS on the Health Commerce System (HCS) website. If you need further assistance on registering for E-prescribing please contact, 718 206-7878.