Does the MMA require that physicians prescribe electronically?
• A: In an effort to jumpstart the widespread adoption of eprescribing, the MMA included a provision for an electronic prescription drug program. E-prescribing is voluntary for physicians. However, physicians and other providers who electronically prescribe covered part D drugs for part D enrolled individuals will have to follow national standards, once they are adopted. CMS has proposed to make the compliance date for these eprescribing standards Jan. 1, 2006, so they will be ready for immediate use when the Medicare drug benefit begins.
