How are controlled substances handled?
Controlled substances are currently not permitted to be filled via electronic means per DEA regulations. If a user attempts to send a prescription for a controlled substance electronically – a system message informs the user that this medication cannot be filled this way and offers the option to print the prescription. You may then fax it or have the patient deliver a paper prescription depending on regulations.
Prescriptions for Schedule II drugs can never be sent electronically or by fax. Hand-signed hard copies of prescriptions for Schedule III through V drugs can be sent using manual fax technologies. Neither computer-generated faxes containing electronic signatures nor totally electronic prescriptions for controlled substances can be sent to pharmacies at this time. Some pharmacies will continue to send refill requests for controlled substances by fax. If a user attempts to send a prescription for a controlled substance electronically, a system message should inform the user that this medication cannot be filled this way and then offer alternatives to generate and submit the prescription.
