To ensure compliance with Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS), healthcare providers can turn to IdenTrust’s one-stop solution for streamlined identity-proofing and multi-factor authentication. With the rise of e-prescribing legislation and the opioid crisis, EPCS has become crucial. IdenTrust offers a hassle-free integration process, freeing EHR providers from direct involvement. This comprehensive solution helps providers swiftly adapt to changing regulations, making prescription processes more secure and paving the way for e-prescribing to become the norm for all prescriptions in the near future.
Ensuring Compliance with EPCS for E-Prescribing Providers
With the increasing adoption of e-prescribing legislation across various states, healthcare providers now have access to comprehensive solutions for multi-factor authentication and identity-proofing to ensure compliance. Telehealth has revitalized the concept of house calls, and in this digital age, even traditional paper prescription pads used by doctors are undergoing a much-needed transformation.
E-prescribing, a practice that has been in existence for years, has already demonstrated its ability to reduce errors, save time, and enhance patient outcomes. However, the opioid crisis, which led to a staggering 110,236 deaths in the United States in 2022, has prompted federal and state governments to enact legislation requiring an additional layer of security in the prescription-writing process.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiated the enforcement of Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS) on January 1, 2023, building upon regulations introduced by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on June 1, 2010. Individual states are now following suit by establishing their deadlines for healthcare and Electronic Health Record (EHR) providers.
Of note, approximately 20% of prescribers nationwide have yet to enable e-prescribing. Rural healthcare providers, in particular, must swiftly adapt to meet EPCS requirements.
A Streamlined Solution for Enhanced Prescription Security
“EPCS mandates two primary controls to achieve and maintain compliance,” explained Mrugesh Chandarana, Director of Product Management at IdenTrust. “First, prescribers must submit identity-proofing information to a credential service provider or certificate authority for verification. Following identity verification, prescribers must acquire two-factor authentication credentials for signing controlled substance prescriptions.”
IdenTrust offers both identity-proofing and multi-factor authentication features, simplifying compliance and providing a seamless user experience for healthcare providers and prescribers utilizing EHR systems. As the DEA requires third-party audits as part of EPCS compliance, IdenTrust assists EHR providers with the audit process, streamlining interactions with DEA regulators. IdenTrust’s solution easily integrates into EHR systems through RESTful APIs and mobile application-based authentication.
“EHR providers do not need to be directly involved in authentication credential or identity-proofing processes, as IdenTrust collaborates directly with prescribers,” Chandarana clarified. “Everything is encompassed within the EPCS solution. Typically, it takes about a week for EHR providers to integrate our solution into their electronic health record systems.” IdenTrust’s seamless integration with EHR systems and hassle-free identity-proofing approach for healthcare providers align perfectly with EPCS compliance within EHR applications.
A Comprehensive Solution for DEA Compliance
For healthcare providers utilizing EHR applications who still need to achieve EPCS readiness, a one-stop solution can expedite the onboarding of prescribers, whether they require only an identity-proofing solution or a bundled solution that includes multi-factor authentication.
IdenTrust conducts remote identity-proofing without the need for video calls or direct human interaction, ensuring a seamless process for prescribers. Unlike traditional identity-proofing methods that demand in-person or virtual identity verification appointments, IdenTrust manages identity-proofing on behalf of EHR providers, allowing prescribers to dedicate their valuable time to patient care.
For healthcare providers planning to implement an EHR system for the first time or transitioning between EHR systems, IdenTrust’s comprehensive service extends beyond identity-proofing. “We collaborate with over 45 EHR providers and integrate with their systems, eliminating the need for providers to obtain new credentials when switching EHR applications,” Chandarana continued. IdenTrust serves as a one-stop EPCS solution, granting healthcare providers the freedom and flexibility to select EHR applications that best suit their requirements and facilitating the enhancement of their EPCS readiness.
Presently, a handful of states require not only controlled but also non-controlled prescriptions to adhere to the same compliance standards. It is only a matter of time before e-prescribing becomes the standard for all prescriptions.
“As we look ahead to the next three to five years, I foresee the same process being applied to all e-prescriptions, including non-controlled substances,” Chandarana predicted.
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