Diversion Control Division | Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances
Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (EPCS)
Resources
Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (EPCS)
On July 27, 2023, DEA’s Final Rule
"Final Rule: Transfer of Electronic Prescriptions for Schedules II-V Controlled Substances Between Pharmacies for Initial Filling (PDF)
(July 27, 2023)” was published in the Federal Register.
The rule becomes effective August 28, 2023.
On March 31, 2010, DEA's Interim Final Rule with Request for Comment titled
"Interim Final Rule with Request for Comment: Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (PDF)
(March 31, 2010)" [Docket No. DEA-218, RIN 1117-AA61] was published in the Federal Register. The rule became effective June 1, 2010.
The rule revises DEA regulations to provide practitioners with the option of writing prescriptions for controlled substances electronically. The regulations also permit pharmacies to receive, dispense, and archive these electronic prescriptions. These regulations are an addition to, not a replacement of, the existing rules. The regulations provide pharmacies, hospitals, and practitioners with the ability to use modern technology for controlled substance prescriptions while maintaining the closed system of controls on controlled substances.
Contact:
EPCS@dea.gov
EPCS Questions and Answers
Federal Register Notices
Final Rule: Transfer of Electronic Prescriptions for Schedules II-V Controlled Substances Between Pharmacies for Initial Filling (PDF)
(July 27, 2023)
Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances Clarification (PDF)
(October 19, 2011)
Interim Final Rule with Request for Comment: Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (PDF)
(March 31, 2010)
Economic impact Analysis of the Interim Final Rule (PDF)
(March 2010)
Risk Assessment for the Interim Final Rule (PDF)
Third Party Reviews of Prescriber or Pharmacy EPCS Applications
Third Party Reviews of Prescriber or Pharmacy EPCS Applications
(Approved Certification Processes)
Outreach
Manual Signatures Are Required On All Prescriptions (PDF)
DEA letter to affected associations (PDF)
(March 26, 2010)
Historical Documents
Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances; Correction (PDF)
(July 14, 2008)
Proposed Rule: Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (PDF)
(June 27, 2008)
Initial Economic Impact Analysis of the Proposed Electronic Prescription Rule (PDF)
(April 2008)
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