ePCS Setup

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allows DEA registrants to write Electronic Prescriptions of Controlled Substances (ePCS). To control who can send these electronic prescriptions, the System Administrator application meets the DEA regulations that determine how applications and practices are to restrict eRx access rights. These measures rely on identity-proofing to prevent fraud.

To comply with the DEA regulations, NextGen Healthcare providers can use any of the following ePCS authentication methods:

• Symantec™ VIP Token
• IdenTrust Mobile Authentication Service
• Imprivata Confirm ID™ for EPCS

The ePCS setup process involves the following procedures in the System Administrator application:

• Set up the ePCS authentication method.
• Authorize ePCS registrar access. ePCS registrars give other NextGen Healthcare providers the rights to electronically send controlled substance prescriptions.
• Set up ePCS prescriber access. ePCS prescribers can digitally sign and electronically send controlled substance prescriptions.
• Manage two-factor authentication credentials like tokens or devices for ePCS registrars and providers.
• Assign system-wide and provider-based digital signing certificates to providers.

For information about enabling providers and pharmacies to use ePCS, see them Provider Service Level and Pharmacy Service Level topics.