Surescripts Provides Update on EPCS Prescribing in its Network to Assist Industry and Stakeholders

Since Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued the interim final rule for electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS), a “modest number” of EPCSs have been transmitted across the Surescripts network, reports the company, which is the operator of the largest e-prescription network in the US. In response to questions from industry, Surescripts has provided an Update on Industry Progress In Implementing Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances. The report explains the required process for physician and pharmacy practice software vendors to become certified in order to connect to the Surescripts network for EPCS purposes. The report also indicates that Surescripts will publish a list of application vendors that have been approved for connecting to the network for EPCS purposes on its Web site in the future.