Electronic prescribing of controlled substances increases patient safety and satisfaction

Physicians at Lancaster General Health are now piloting the electronic prescribing of controlled substances. The new process works much like prescribing any other medication electronically.

Electronic prescribing of controlled substances will be available for both inpatient and outpatient providers. It is currently not mandatory but is being considered by Pennsylvania legislators and already a requirement in other states, including New York, Virginia and Massachusetts.

In order to prescribe controlled substances electronically, providers first must sign up by verifying their identity, which requires a government-issued identification and DEA number. Each prescription requires a second factor of authentication, utilizing the same Duo app used for remote access.

Providers will have several opportunities to sign up in the coming months, including the July 12 Medical & Dental Staff meeting. Clinical informatics liaisons also will visit LG Health Physicians practices to assist with signup. Providers also may visit the Provider Resource Center, 554 N. Duke St.

For more information on signup or for other questions, please contact Jeffrey L. Martin, MD, Medical Director, IT Operations and Adoption, jdmartin@lghealth.org or 544-6419.