New York Implements Rules To Prevent Opioid Abuse; Requires Universal E-Prescribing

On March 27, 2016, New York State implemented rules requiring that all physicians in the state use e-prescribing software for nearly all prescriptions; the rules are part of legislation enacted to prevent abuse of prescription opioid pain relievers. The legislation, Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing Act (I-STOP), was signed in 2012. The first phase, a secure online prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) database, launched in late 2013. All physicians are required to check the PDMP. A waiver is available for selected prescribing situations; but prescribers who fail to e-prescribe without having obtained a waiver will face . . .