[§328-17.8]  Electronic prescriptioninformation.  (a) Prescription information may be transmittedelectronically; provided that:

(1)  The information shall be communicated onlybetween the prescribing practitioner or the prescriber's authorized agent andpharmacies or medical oxygen distributors of the patient's choice;

(2)  The information shall be communicated in aretrievable, recognizable format acceptable to the intended recipient;

(3)  No electronic system, software, or otherintervening mechanism or party shall alter the practitioner's prescription,order entry, selection, or intended selection without the practitioner'sapproval, on a per prescription or per order basis.  Transmitted prescriptioninformation shall not be altered by any system, software, or other interveningmechanism or party prior to receipt by the intended pharmacy or medical oxygendistributor recipient;

(4)  The prescription information processing systemshall provide for adequate confidentiality safeguards provided by any applicablefederal or state law; and

(5)  Practitioners, pharmacists, and medical oxygendistributors shall exercise prudent and professional judgment regarding theaccuracy, validity, and authenticity of any prescription informationcommunicated, received, or transferred.

(b)  Nothing in this section shall be construedor interpreted to prevent the transmission of health care information,including prescription information, between health plans and their authorizedagents and prescribing practitioners, pharmacists, and medical oxygendistributors for the purpose of the adjudication or payment of claims. [L 2001,c 124, pt of §1]