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Surescripts
Safer, faster e-prescribing for controlled substances
To prevent fraud and abuse, controlled substance prescriptions require added layers of safety and security. Integrating Surescripts E-Prescribing for Controlled Substances (EPCS) within existing technology and workflows enables safer, faster prescribing for controlled substances and creates a path to meet regulatory requirements with ease.
302.9 million
e-prescriptions for controlled substances filled in 20231
83.2%
of e-prescribers nationwide are enabled with Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances1
96.5%
EPCS-enabled pharmacies nationwide2
What can EPCS do for you?
Choose your organization type to see how EPCS can bring you new dimensions of safety and security for controlled substance prescriptions.
Certify your electronic health record (EHR) to e-prescribe controlled substances
Pave the way for your prescribers to safely and securely prescribe controlled substances.
Enable safer, faster e-prescribing
Provide accountability and security without sacrificing convenience. EPCS is a powerful tool for tackling the nation’s opioid crisis.
Manage e-prescriptions from one place
Centralize prescribing for both controlled substances and other medications from your EHR.
Connect to nearly all pharmacies
Virtually all U.S. pharmacies are EPCS enabled, so prescribers using your EHR can securely transmit prescriptions to nearly any location.
Meet regulatory requirements
Comply with state legislation in 35 states that mandates electronic prescribing of controlled substances.1
How it works for EHR vendors
Certify your EHR or stand-alone e-prescribing application with the Surescripts network.
EHR certification lays the foundation for all e-prescribing.
Get your EHR certified and approved for EPCS.
The Surescripts team will guide you through the process.
Establish identity proofing, multifactor authentication and access controls.
Validate your access controls and processes, including multifactor authentication and how prescribers obtain clearance.
Train your clients and their prescribers on EPCS requirements, setup and best practices.
Work with your providers to ensure they understand the steps needed to begin e-prescribing controlled substances.
Once setup is complete, your users can begin prescribing.
With all the required controls and processes in place, providers are able to begin prescribing in your EHR.
E-Prescribe controlled substances in your EHR
Leverage the power of EPCS to let your team e-prescribe all medications within your EHR.
Write e-prescriptions from one place
Centralize prescribing for both controlled substances and other medications in your EHR.
Enable safer, faster e-prescribing
Provide accountability and security without sacrificing convenience. EPCS is a powerful tool for tackling the nation’s opioid crisis.
Connect to nearly all pharmacies
Virtually all U.S. pharmacies are EPCS enabled, so prescribers can securely transmit prescriptions to nearly any location.
Meet regulatory requirements
Comply with legislation in 35 states mandating electronic prescribing of controlled substances.1
How it works for health systems
Verify that your EHR or e-prescribing application is certified for EPCS with Surescripts.
EHRs approved for EPCS are equipped for e-prescribing and meet additional requirements, such as identity proofing.
Complete multifactor authentication for prescribers and set access control permissions.
Training documentation or other support from your EHR can guide your team through these important security steps.
Begin prescribing controlled substances from with your EHR.
Now prescribers are ready to send controlled substance prescriptions with all the benefits of Surescripts E-Prescribing.
Real-world results
Find out more about EPCS
How many states mandate e-prescribing for controlled substances?
As of December 2022, 35 states had enacted legislation that mandates the use of e-prescribing for all prescriptions, all controlled substance prescriptions, or a subset of controlled substance prescriptions, typically those for opioids.1
How can I prescribe controlled substances electronically?
Reach out to your EHR or your e-prescribing application to get instructions. They will be able to guide you through the process.
How do you verify e-prescribing of controlled substances?
All e-prescribing applications sending controlled substance prescriptions are required to provide proof that they have successfully completed a third-party audit according to DEA requirements. This proof of successful audit is required before the application is able to send EPCS messages across the Surescripts network.
Keep pace with healthcare innovation
- Surescripts, “2023 National Progress Report,” March 2024.
- Surescripts network data, December 2022.