In 2010 the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) finalized a rule allowing controlled substances – such as oxycodone, methadone, fentanyl, and morphine – to be prescribed electronically, which promises to address the efficiency and patient safety challenges associated with paper prescriptions for controlled substances. Specifically, electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) can improve the efficiency of care provider workflows, especially if they are already using e-Prescribing of non-controlled substances. EPCS can also decrease patient wait times at pharmacies and minimize the risk of potential medication errors, inaccuracies or forgeries. By David Ting, Founder & CTO, Imprivata
