Under new federal regulations, can a pharmacist fill an electronic prescription for a controlled substance?

Under new federal regulations, can a pharmacist fill an electronic prescription for a controlled substance?

• A. Yes, under certain conditions
• B. No, it must be handwritten
• C. Only if it includes a specific identifier
• D. Yes, it cannot be filled at all

Answer: (A)

Filling an electronic prescription for a controlled substance is indeed permissible under new federal regulations, but specific conditions must be met. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has established guidelines that allow electronic prescriptions for controlled substances (EPCS) as long as the prescribing software and the pharmacy's dispensing software comply with certain security and identity verification standards. These standards are designed to ensure that the prescriptions are secure and that they originate from a legitimate prescriber. Factors such as the use of two-factor authentication, encryption, and secure transmission protocols must be in place. As a result, pharmacists can fill electronic prescriptions for controlled substances legally and safely, as long as they adhere to these protective measures, which is why this option is the correct answer. In contrast, other options suggesting a ban on handwritten prescriptions, the need for a specific identifier, or complete prohibition of filling electronic prescriptions do not accurately reflect the current legal framework governing the practice.

Filling an electronic prescription for a controlled substance is indeed permissible under new federal regulations, but specific conditions must be met. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has established guidelines that allow electronic prescriptions for controlled substances (EPCS) as long as the prescribing software and the pharmacy's dispensing software comply with certain security and identity verification standards.

These standards are designed to ensure that the prescriptions are secure and that they originate from a legitimate prescriber. Factors such as the use of two-factor authentication, encryption, and secure transmission protocols must be in place. As a result, pharmacists can fill electronic prescriptions for controlled substances legally and safely, as long as they adhere to these protective measures, which is why this option is the correct answer.

In contrast, other options suggesting a ban on handwritten prescriptions, the need for a specific identifier, or complete prohibition of filling electronic prescriptions do not accurately reflect the current legal framework governing the practice.