ePCS Restrictions on Printing and Faxing of Medications

If you print or fax a controlled substance prescription, you cannot eRx that prescription. If you ePrescribe a controlled substance, you can print or fax the prescription. However, the printed or faxed report must indicate that the printed or faxed copy is not for dispensing.

If you ePrescribe a controlled substance and the transmission fails, you can print or fax the prescription. However, the printed or faxed report must display a message stating the prescription was originally sent electronically to a pharmacy. The pharmacy’s name must be shown along with the date and time of the eRx message. It must also show that the eRx message failed.

You must be aware of local and state laws regulating faxing of controlled medications. These regulations may be stricter than Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Federal Regulations.