Electronic Prescribing

Mandatory Electronic Prescribing Effective March 27, 2016

Practitioners are mandated to electronically prescribe both controlled and non-controlled substances effective March 27, 2016. However, there are a number of exceptions in which a practitioner may issue an Official New York State prescription (ONYSRx) form, oral prescription or a fax of an ONYSRx.

General Information

Amendments to Title 10 NYCRR Part 80 Rules and Regulations on Controlled Substances have been adopted and became effective as final regulations on March 27, 2013. The amendments authorize a practitioner to issue an electronic prescription for controlled substances in Schedules II through V and allow a pharmacist to accept, annotate, dispense and electronically archive such prescriptions.

Additional Information

Publications

Practitioner Registration for EPCS

If you have met all federal security requirements and would like to register the application with the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, access the online application called ROPES.

Physician Assistant Registration for EPCS

Hospital Registration for EPCS

Pharmacy Registration for EPCS

If you have met all federal security requirements and would like to register the application with the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, access the online application called ROPES.

Electronic Prescribing Waivers or Certifications

Practitioners unable to electronically prescribe can either request a waiver from the requirement or submit a certification depending on their circumstances.

Public Health Law (PHL) Section 281(3) (c) states a waiver, or a renewal thereof, may be granted for a specified period determined by the Commissioner, not to exceed one year.

Public Health Law (PHL) Section 281(7) states a certification, or a renewal thereof, may be submitted by a practitioner issuing 25 prescriptions or less during a twelve month period.