RESOURCES > Electronic Commerce Initiatives > Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (EPCS)
Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (EPCS)
On March 31, 2010, DEA's Interim Final Rule with Request for Comment titled "Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances" [Docket No. DEA-218, RIN 1117-AA61] was published in the Federal Register. The rule became effective June 1, 2010.
The rule revises DEA regulations to provide practitioners with the option of writing prescriptions for controlled substances electronically. The regulations also permit pharmacies to receive, dispense, and archive these electronic prescriptions. These regulations are an addition to, not a replacement of, the existing rules. The regulations provide pharmacies, hospitals, and practitioners with the ability to use modern technology for controlled substance prescriptions while maintaining the closed system of controls on controlled substances.
Contact: EPCS@usdoj.gov
Federal Register Notices
Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances Clarification (October 19, 2011) PDF Version
Interim Final Rule with Request for Comment: Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (March 31, 2010)
Third Party Reviews of Prescriber or Pharmacy EPCS Applications
Third Party Reviews of Prescriber or Pharmacy EPCS Applications (Approved Certification Processes)
Outreach, Questions and Answers
Letter to Electronic Application Providers and Pharmacy Application Providers (PDF) (April 2, 2010)
DEA letter to affected associations (PDF) (March 26, 2010)
Questions and Answers
For Providers of Electronic Prescription Applications, Pharmacy Applications, and Intermediaries
Historical documents
Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances - Correction (July 14, 2008)
Proposed Rule: Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (PDF) (June 27, 2008)
Initial Economic Impact Analysis of the Proposed Electronic Prescription Rule (PDF) (April 2008)
Public meetings
EPCS Public Meeting ( July 11-12, 2006)
Pharmacists' Working Group (May 2, 2002)
Technical and Regulatory Working Group (February 22, 2001)
Technical and Regulatory Working Group (November 16, 2000)
