Electronic prescribing of controlled substances – National Governors Association STATE ALLIANCE FOR e-HEALTH

National Governors Association STATE ALLIANCE FOR e-HEALTH

It seems that the people discussing this rule are hesitant to give their true opinions on how they feel about it.  Isn’t this a great opportunity to involve patients in the discussion to share their need for adequate pain control, and the community’s need for protected prescribing without diversion?  Here’s John Halamka’s discussion of this ruling, and the linked video provides more clues. Maybe, with patient involvement, a workable solution could be developed that allows these substances to be dispensed safely using electronic systems.

The State Alliance members will continue their discussions from their May 2008 meeting on ways that state policymakers can help facilitate electronic prescribing. A representative from DEA will present the proposed rule issued in June to allow electronic prescribing of controlled substances. A CMS representative will share information on current and future activities to support electronic prescribing in Medicare. The Alliance will provide NGA staff guidance on how the organization should implement the statement adopted in May by the State Alliance.
•Tony Trenkle, Director, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Office of E-Health Standards and Services
•Mark Caverly, Chief, Liaison and Policy Section, Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control (Invited)

Ted Eytan, MD