DEA Allows ePrescribing for Controlled Substances

Physicians can now write ePrescriptions for controlled substances, making it easier to participate in ePrescribing. 

A rule from the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) loosened the written requirement for controlled substance prescriptions. Physicians can ePrescribe if they use a system that is audited or certified by an organization approved by the DEA and confirms identity using two of these three methods: 

  • Password protection
  • Biometric screening (for example, a thumbprint)
  • “Hard token” authentication device, such as a USB fob or swipe card

Add Your Comments


The Pennsylvania Medical Society encourages lively debate, but please behave courteously and responsibly. Comments that include profanity, personal attacks (including language that could potentially identify an individual), or any other inappropriate, offensive, or illegal material will be removed. For more information, please see our Terms of Use. We do not answer legal questions on line. Members seeking general information about laws and regulations affecting medical practice may call our member resource line, (800) 228-7823.

Display name as (optional):

Comments (max 2000 characters):




Comments: 5


I recently had to go to court to testify against a man who forged my signature for a narcotic RX. I strongly agree e-RX is for controlled substances is greatly needed!

anonymous at 5/6/2010 6:12:43 PM


I agree that password protection should be enough. I use Allscripts eprescribe, need to log in with password, and they require me to provide my DEA #. If I can use this to prescribe all other meds, why not for narcotics? The fewer hands touching any prescription, the better!

Ken Durrwachter MD at 5/6/2010 4:18:37 PM


I practice pain managment in two different counties and I have been the big proponent of e prescribing of controlled substances as long as it meet state, and Federal guideline and of course, safety of the prescribed prescription is a must. It will eliminate multiple problems related to controlled substance prescription. In addition to physician prescribing, pharmacy(ies) and pharmacist needs to be vigilant in terms of dispensing. I believe, only person who should be able to pick up the controlled substance prescription should the patient whose name appear on the prescription. If patient is an elderly, physically or mentally disable, then written authorization with notarized signature should be there. Person valid ID should be confirmed. I hope this input helps.

Ashraf Razzak at 5/1/2010 8:26:28 PM


I like this idea. It is kind of obvious to patients when we have to right out our "magic" DEA number, and I think the paper script is more likely to be abused. I don't see why password alone isn't enough. Biometrics is expensive and key fob's can be tempermental or lost/forgotten @ home, etc.

anonymous at 4/30/2010 9:12:40 AM


Making it possible to prescribe controlled substances directly to the pharmacy certainly makes sense as it cuts out the patient and/or any other person from having access to the written prescription and perhaps trying to falsify the number of pills, etc. thus only the prescribing physician and the receiving pharmacy has access to the prescription. It would ensure a more certain degree of safety and efficiency.

jgray at 4/29/2010 3:15:39 PM

Last Updated: 2/21/2012
From: 
Email:  
To: 
Email:  
Subject: 
Message: