Beginning March 27, New York's legislation banning paper prescriptions will go into effect. In preparation for the upcoming deadline, paper prescriptions have dropped significantly in the state.
The Internet System for Tracking Over Prescribing not only bans paper prescriptions, but also bears penalties for noncompliance. Since March 1, the number of physicians in New York with the capability to electronically prescribe controlled substances jumped 28 percent, according to data from health information network Surescripts.
In New York state, nearly 95 percent of pharmacies are able to receive prescriptions for controlled substances electronically, and 47 percent of providers are capable of e-prescribing.
"The industry has made remarkable progress in adopting this critical technology that can have a direct and immediate impact on improving patient care and saving lives. As we look beyond New York, we will continue to expand the connections we have with software vendors, providers and pharmacies to broaden the utilization of e-prescribing for controlled substances and add considerable value to the nation's healthcare system," said Tom Skelton, CEO of Surescripts.
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