New and Delayed EPCS Mandates
- Maryland, Michigan, and Utah EPCS mandates became effective January 1, 2023
- Illinois delayed their EPCS mandate enforcement to January 1, 2024
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Requires Compliance for New Rules
CMS requires compliance for following rulings as of January 1, 2023:
- Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances for a Covered Part D drug under a Prescription Drug Plan or an MA-PD plan
- Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6)
Contact your EHR vendor or DrFirst to ensure your compliance and uninterrupted service to your patients.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs
Most providers are now required to access their state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) before prescribing a scheduled drug. In order to do this, they must go outside of the EHR and log in to the database separately.
EPCSGold offers PDMP checks within the EHR workflow to:
- Intervene at the earliest signs of controlled substance misuse
- Provide better care
- Meet state regulations
- Save time
Why are PDMPs Important?
PDMPs are one of the most impactful tools available addressing prescription opioid misuse and abuse and are part of the larger Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS) programs.
EPCSGold is the first Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Surescripts-certified solution for e-prescribing controlled substances with integrated access to state PDMPs.
Using EPCSGold is a safer, faster, and more secure way for providers to comply with state EPCS and PDMP mandates—without ever leaving the e-prescribing workflow.
Making Informed Prescribing Decisions
When available at the point of encounter, PDMP information gives prescribers critical information regarding their patients’ controlled substance prescription history. This helps providers distinguish between patients who legitimately need opioid medications for pain treatment and those who may be seeking to misuse these powerful drugs.
Data, Technology, and Policy: Working Together to Drive
Controlled Substance E-prescribing Adoption
As the U.S. fights the deadly opioid epidemic, healthcare providers struggle to address the underlying issues. Solving this crisis requires a continuum of services from prevention, to treatment, to recovery support. Many policies have been put in place to help reduce opioid related incidents, but it’s not enough. To address the root cause, we must improve controlled substance prescribing practices. Read More
Mandates Driving EPCS and PDMP Utilization
There are currently at least 46 states with PDMP mandates in place, and all 50 states—including the District of Columbia—have active PDMP databases that collect and report prescribing and dispensing data to authorized users. Additionally, EPCS is strongly encouraged in all 50 states. Many states require prescribers to register with them in order to access PDMP data and perform mandatory queries.
Check if your state has an EPCS and PDMP mandate in effect.
Territories:
This website is for general information purposes only. DrFirst.com, Inc. makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained herein. DrFirst.com, Inc. further disclaims all liability, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, with respect to actions taken or not taken arising out of, or in connection with, the use of, reference to, or reliance on any or all information contained in this website. All users of this website should consult their jurisdiction’s PDMP website for the most up to date and accurate information. Information contained in this website is subject to revision at any time by DrFirst.com, Inc. without notice. The map used on this website is published on the web by jVectorMap, and sourced under an open license.
The Benefits of EPCS with In-workflow PDMP Access
EPCS enables providers to prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances and non-controlled prescriptions in one simple workflow, providing both them and their patients added convenience, and improved patient safety.
Integrated PDMP Access is 3x Faster than Standard PDMP Lookup
Workflow Advantages
- Access PDMP data in the prescribing workflow
- Meet state requirements for patient PDMP review
- Save significant time over current methods with simplified
workflow - Identify opioid misuse at the point of encounter
Patient Safety
- Intervene at the earliest signs of controlled substance misuse
- Eliminate potential transcription errors
- Check controlled drugs for clinical and formulary alerts
- Receive alerts for drug allergies and interactions
Security and Compliance
- Complies with DEA, state, and federal requirements
- Prevent prescription drug abuse and avoid patients who are doctor shopping
- Reduce fraud and abuse – eliminate paper prescription pad theft and forgery
- Meet PDMP-mandated query requirements
Take a Tour of EPCS with In-workflow PDMP Access
Getting Started with EPCS and PDMP
Review the 4 easy steps to get started with EPCSGold with in-workflow PDMP access:
- Check the EPCS and PDMP Mandate Map for your state’s requirements
- Review the Are You PDMP Ready? infographic for important details about PDMP readiness
- Contact your EHR vendor directly for information on EPCS with in-workflow PDMP access
- Understand the steps involved in the Identity Proofing Process required for EPCS use
Resource Library
EPCS: Getting Started with Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances
Download our infographic to learn what EPCS is, how e-prescribing can help, and how to get started.
EPCS and PDMP Dates to Know
Stay up to date on proposed legislation and laws impacting EPCS and PDMP requirements with this brochure.
Are You PDMP Ready?
Read the top 5 things to know about PDMP. Download an infographic to learn about PDMP readiness.
Identity Proofing Process for EPCS Use
Ready to begin using EPCS, but not sure where to start? The DEA requires confirmation of the identity of all providers authorized to prescribe controlled substances. Read More
Get Started Now!
Contact your EHR vendor for additional information.
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Last Edited: 08/31/2023