Roadblock on the health IT superhighway: E-prescribing and the controlled substances act

Kate L. Lapane, PhD; Brian J. Quilliam, PhD; David D. Dore, PharmD

doi:10.5055/jom.2007.0002

Authors

Kate L. Lapane, PhD
Brian J. Quilliam, PhD
David D. Dore, PharmD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2007.0002

Keywords:

Controlled Substances, e-prescribing, Health Information Technology, prescription diversion

Abstract

Electronic prescribing technology enables healthcare providers access to more complete information regarding patient’s medication history including prescriptions written by other healthcare providers. President Bush has put forth the goal of electronic health records for most Americans by 2014. Yet, regulatory roadblocks may be preventing further progress toward achieving these goals. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) must modify the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to keep pace with technology. It is time to move from discussions and hearings to piloting e-prescribing of controlled substances.

Author Biographies

Kate L. Lapane, PhD

Department of Community Health, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island.

Brian J. Quilliam, PhD

College of Pharmacy, University of Island, Kingston, Rhode Island.

David D. Dore, PharmD

Center for Gerontology and Health Research, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island.

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