Coming in 2023: Prescriptions for Controlled Substances Must Be Sent Electronically, with Some Exceptions

September 22, 2022

A new law will require that prescriptions for a controlled substance classified as Schedule II, III, IV or V be sent electronically and be accepted by the dispenser in an electronic format.

However, prescribers will not be required to issue prescriptions electronically if they certify to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) that they will not issue more than 25 prescriptions during a 12-month period. Prescriptions in both oral and written form for controlled substances will be included for determining the limit of 25 prescriptions.

The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

IDFPR is still in the process of adopting rules to administer the new requirements. ISMS is working with the Department to enact, through rulemaking, reasonable and justified exemptions to the mandate.