May 29, 2010
AMIA comments to DEA on E-Prescribing Controlled Substances which would revise the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (Controlled Substances Act, or CSA) and the related regulations to allow healthcare providers to write prescriptions for controlled substances electronically. These revisions would have to allow e-prescribing controlled substances to meet the government requirements so providers are eligible “meaningful users.” Issues raised by e-prescribing were the authentication process, preventing fraudulent electronic prescriptions, and securely issuing prescriptions remotely. A benefit from e-prescribing would be eliminating illegible handwritten prescriptions. In addition, third party audit control and identity proofing, two factor or biometric authentication, and storage of electronic records are some of the security considerations mentioned.