Get started with EPCS: A procrastinator's guide to meeting I-STOP’s March 27 deadline

Effective March 27, 2015, New York’s I-STOP act will require providers in the state to issue prescriptions electronically directly to a pharmacy, including prescriptions for controlled substances. With the deadline only a few days away, here’s a quick-start guide to ensuring you can e-prescribe all medications electronically and achieve compliance before the I-STOP deadline:

1. Implement a certified e-prescribing system. Implement an e-prescribing tool that is certified for electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) or turn on EPCS functionality in an existing, certified tool like an EHR.
2. Obtain a DEA number. A valid DEA registration number provides authorization for a health care provider to write prescriptions for controlled substances.
3. Create an HCS account. Consulting the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Registry is required when writing a prescription for a Schedule II, III and IV controlled substance. You must have a health commerce system (HCS) account to consult the PMP.
4. Register for the Official Prescription Program (OPP). Renew OPP registration online with ROPES or submit form DOH-4329 for new registrations.
5. Register with the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement (BNE). Each individual practitioner is required to register their certified EPCS system with BNE.

Need help with I-STOP?

For more information on meeting the I-STOP requirements and activating EPCS by the deadline, attend one of our live webinars.