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Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS) 

August 2024 Update

EPCS Issue Brief Cvr

As of January 1, 2024, Illinois prescribers who issue more than 150 controlled substance prescriptions (Schedules II, III, IV and V drugs) annually are required to submit all prescriptions for controlled substances electronically. ISMS worked closely with legislators, the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR) and other stakeholders to secure exemptions and flexibilities that minimize financial and administrative burdens for physician practices and prevent disruptions in patient care.

The e-prescribing mandate includes the following exemptions from the requirement to issue prescriptions electronically:

  • The prescriber demonstrates financial difficulties in buying or managing an electronic prescription option, whether it is an electronic health record or some other electronic prescribing product
  • There is a temporary technological or electrical failure that prevents an electronic prescription from being issued
  • The prescription is for a drug that the practitioner reasonably determines would be impractical for the patient to obtain in a timely manner if prescribed by an electronic data transmission prescription and the delay would adversely impact the patient’s medical condition
  • The prescription is for an individual who:
    • resides in a nursing or assisted living facility;
    • is receiving hospice or palliative care;
    • is receiving care at an outpatient renal dialysis facility and the prescription is related to the care provided;
    • is receiving care through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or
    • is incarcerated in a state, detained, or confined in a correctional facility;

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