On January 1, 2021, Indiana law requires that all controlled substances be sent to the pharmacy electronically by the prescriber. If the prescription has to be electronically sent to another pharmacy the initial prescriber will have to issue a new prescription electronically to comply with both Indiana and federal law. Under Indiana’s new law, prescribers are required to issue controlled substance prescriptions electronically. Additionally, pharmacies that are out of stock of the controlled substance are not allowed to electronically transfer an initial prescription to another pharmacy regardless of whether the other pharmacy is within the same network (refills may be transferred).
By way of background, in 2018 the federal government passed the Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (“SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act”). The federal law requires, beginning January 1, 2021, a prescription for a covered Medicare Part D drug under a prescription drug plan for a schedule II,
III, IV, or V controlled substance to be “transmitted by a health care practitioner electronically.”[1]
To align with the federal law, Indiana passed SEA 176 which is codified at IC 25-1-9.3-7. However, the Indiana e-prescribing law is distinct from the federal law in that it applies to all controlled substances not just those prescribed for Medicare Part D enrollees.[2] Effective January 1, 2021 an Indiana prescriber shall issue a prescription for a controlled substance in an electronic format and by electronic transmission from the prescriber to a pharmacy.[3]
The new and more stringent Indiana e-prescribing law requirement may pose challenges with the work flow of health care providers, facilities, and pharmacies. The Magi Group has developed sound resolutions to support provider workflow, patient safety, and patient satisfaction. Give our office a call today at 317-436-2828 or email us at thakena@themagigroupresolution.com to learn how we can help you remain compliant and navigate Indiana's new e-prescribing law.
[1] Indiana State Medical Association. New e-prescribing mandates being Jan. 1. https://www.ismanet.org/ISMA/Resources/e-Reports/11-4-20/New_e-prescribing_mandates_begin_Jan_1.aspx (last visited Jan. 8, 2021).
[2] Id.
[3] Issuance of a prescription for a controlled substance
Sec. 7 After December 31,2020, except as provided in section 8 of this chapter, a prescriber shall issue a prescription for a controlled substance:
(1) in an electronic format; and
(2) by electronic transmission from the prescriber to a pharmacy;
in accordance with rules adopted by the board under IC 25-26-13-4(d).[3]