New York Electronic Prescribing Mandate
New York’s I-STOP legislation has required that virtually all prescriptions be issued electronically for both controlled and non-controlled substances since March 27, 2016.
Electronic prescribing software includes drop-down reference menus to assist in selecting specific drugs, identifying interactions and contraindications, and determining appropriate doses. E-prescribing software can interface with electronic patient records, simplifying record keeping. NYSDA has endorsed the Henry Schein Allscripts e-prescribing software. This product is compliant with NYS regulations, includes prescribing capability for controlled and non-controlled substances, and is available at a discounted price with support to NYSDA member dentists. For more information, contact Henry Schein at 800-734-5561 or HSePrescribe.com
New York also requires all practitioners who prescribe or dispense controlled substances to query the Department of Health’s
Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Registry to query patients’ drug histories prior to writing prescriptions for controlled substances. To access the Registry, prescribers must establish an online
Health Commerce System (HCS) account.
Seven-Day Limit on Initial Opioid Prescriptions for Acute Pain
Since July 2016, New York State has limited the initial supply of opioids that can be prescribed for acute pain to seven days. Acute pain is defined as pain, whether resulting from disease, accidental or intentional trauma, or other cause, that the practitioner reasonably expects to last only a short period of time. This rule does not include prescribing for chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as pain being treated as a part of cancer care, hospice or other end-of-life care, or pain being treated as part of palliative care practices.
Upon any subsequent consultations for the same pain, the practitioner may issue, in accordance with existing rules and regulations, any appropriate renewal, refill, or new prescription for an opioid.
E-Prescribing and Software Registration Requirements
In order to prescribe controlled substances electronically, practitioners are required to register their certified electronic prescribing computer application with the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE). To register the computer application with BNE, practitioners must complete a Registration for Official Prescriptions and E-prescribing Systems (ROPES) form online.
The form requires the practitioner to identify the “third party audit certifying organization” and the date of the third party audit/certification. However, the prescriber is not responsible for having an audit. The software vendor is responsible for having the audit performed – not the doctor. The vendor should provide the prescriber/software purchaser with the “audit/certification."
Questions regarding the ROPES form or process may be directed to BNE by emailing narcotic@health.state.ny.us or by calling 1-866-811-7957, option 1.
Practitioners must also meet the federal security requirements for EPCS as detailed in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances Interim Final Rule. The applicable rule can be accessed online.
NYS Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Instructional Videos
Instructional videos for New York State Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) users are available for several NYS PMP topics. These videos give on-line guidance in the use of various features and functions of the PMP. A Health Commerce System (HCS) account is necessary for viewing. The available videos are listed below:
- NYS Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Practitioner Reports: This video provides a demonstration for practitioners on how to use search tools to review practitioner history.
- NYS Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Assigning a Designee: This video provides a demonstration for practitioners on how to make designee assignments.
- NYS Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Reporting Suspicious Activity: This video provides a demonstration for practitioners on how to report suspicious activity.
- NYS Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Requirements for New to Practice Residents and Interns: This training reviews requirements and process for using the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Registry for new to practice residents and interns in medical teaching facilities.
Instructional Videos
Additional Information:
Electronic Prescribing FAQs
Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) FAQs
Mandatory Prescriber Education
Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement Contact Information