Current DEA regulations prohibit the use of e-prescribing for controlled substances, forcing health care providers who use e-prescribing systems to maintain paper processes.

According to a summary of 334-page rule, the new rule could:

• Help hospitals and pharmacies integrate prescription records into patients' health records;

• Reduce paperwork for those who dispense controlled substances;

• Reduce prescription errors due to illegible handwriting and misinterpreted oral prescriptions; and

• Reduce prescription forgery.

Timeline

The IFR will be published in the Federal Register on March 31 and will go into effect 60 days later. DEA will accept public comments during those 60 days.

According to Modern Healthcare, because it is a "major rule," it is subject to congressional review, and, therefore, its effective date could be delayed. 

Sen. Whitehouse Applauds IFR

In a statement released Thursday, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said he was "encouraged" by DEA's announcement. He said, "Allowing for electronic prescribing of controlled substances -- while maintaining rigorous controls to prevent illegal diversion and protect privacy -- is key to unleashing the vast cost and quality improvement potential of health information technology.