Electronic communication of prescription information — Board may adopt rules.

(1) Information concerning an original prescription or information concerning a prescription refill for a controlled substance may be electronically communicated to a pharmacy of the patient's choice pursuant to the provisions of this chapter if the electronically communicated prescription information complies with the following:

     (a) Electronically communicated prescription information must comply with all applicable statutes and rules regarding the form, content, recordkeeping, and processing of a prescription for a legend drug;

     (b) The system used for transmitting electronically communicated prescription information and the system used for receiving electronically communicated prescription information must be approved by the board. This subsection does not apply to currently used facsimile equipment transmitting an exact visual image of the prescription. The board shall maintain and provide, upon request, a list of systems used for electronically communicating prescription information currently approved by the board;

     (c) An explicit opportunity for practitioners must be made to indicate their preference on whether a therapeutically equivalent generic drug may be substituted;

     (d) Prescription drug orders are confidential health information, and may be released only to the patient or the patient's authorized representative, the prescriber or other authorized practitioner then caring for the patient, or other persons specifically authorized by law to receive such information;

     (e) To maintain confidentiality of prescription records, the electronic system shall have adequate security and systems safeguards designed to prevent and detect unauthorized access, modification, or manipulation of these records. The pharmacist in charge shall establish or verify the existence of policies and procedures which ensure the integrity and confidentiality of prescription information transmitted to the pharmacy by electronic means. All managers, employees, and agents of the pharmacy are required to read, sign, and comply with the established policies and procedures; and

     (f) The pharmacist shall exercise professional judgment regarding the accuracy, validity, and authenticity of the prescription drug order received by way of electronic transmission, consistent with federal and state laws and rules and guidelines of the board.

     (2) The board may adopt rules implementing this section.

[1998 c 222 § 4.]

Electronic communication of prescription information — Board may adopt rules.