The following FAQs are from the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy and are actively updated. Last update: 12/24/19
Beginning January 1, 2020, each prescription order issued by a medical practitioner for a schedule II controlled substance that is an opioid shall be transmitted electronically to the dispensing pharmacy.
What is EPCS?
EPCS stands for Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances and may also be referred to as e-Prescribing of Controlled Substances.
What does EPCS-certified mean?
In 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued regulations permitting prescribers to write prescriptions for controlled substances electronically. A practitioner may issue electronic controlled substance prescriptions only when their EHR system is EPCS-certified — meeting strict DEA requirements for credentialing, software certification, and dual-factor authentication.
Is there a waiver for Schedule II opioid EPCS?
No. There is no waiver available. Providers must have an EPCS-certified system by January 1, 2020 to prescribe a schedule II controlled substance that is an opioid.
What if my system goes down?
If an established electronic prescribing system is not operational, the medical practitioner may write a prescription order for a schedule II controlled substance that is an opioid. The practitioner must indicate on the written prescription that the electronic system is not operational and maintain a record for the period required by the board.
Can I still fax for hospice or long-term care patients?
Yes. Per A.R.S. §36-2525(F), a practitioner may fax a prescription for schedule II controlled substances for patients enrolled in a certified hospice care program or residents of a long-term care facility.
How do I get EPCS-capable?
- Contact your EHR or e-prescribing vendor and confirm they are EPCS-certified
- Complete identity proofing requirements
- Set up access controls
- Obtain a dual authentication device or process
- Go live with EPCS and adjust your workflow
Resources:
- Browse EPCS-certified software at Surescripts: https://surescripts.com/network-connections/prescriber-software/
- EPCS Cost Comparison Sheet (PDF): https://healthcurrent.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/EPCS-Cost-Sheet_FINAL_09-21-18.pdf
- Contact Health Current for e-prescribing help: erx@healthcurrent.org or (602) 688-7200