Maine providers who prescribing opioids must move to electronic prescriptions effective July 1, according to the state's Public Law Chapter 488.
E-prescription technology allows providers to integrate prescription records directly into the patient's EHR. The move to e-prescriptions is part of the state's attempt to reduce prescription theft and forgery, according to a guideline released by the state's Department of Health and Human Services.
Failure to submit prescription monitoring information to the department will constitute a civil violation, including a fine of $250 per violation, according to the law. Providers who do not have the capability for e-prescriptions must request a waiver from the commissioner of health and human services.
"Electronic prescribing enables you to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and supports evidence based practices to improve the standard of care. It has the potential to reduce errors, misuse, abuse and diversion of prescription medications," reads the DHHS guideline.
Click here to read the full law.
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