E-prescribing controlled substances now legal nationwide

ARLINGTON, Va. — Vermont on Friday became the last state in the nation to legalize electronic prescriptions for controlled substances — a measure that many states have adopted as a way to combat the abuse of controlled substances and prevent individuals from resorting to fraudulent paper prescriptions.

“Care providers, pharmacies and government officials are working together to combat the prescription drug abuse epidemic that plagues our nation,” Tom Skelton, CEO of Surescripts, said. “Throwing out the prescription pad and opting for an electronic process makes it easier for patients to get the medications they need while helping to prevent fraud and abuse.”

Deaths from prescription painkillers have quadrupled since 1999, killing more than 16,000 Americans in 2013, according to Surescripts.

Surescripts has launched a website to help educate physicians on how to e-prescribe controlled substances. In the first half of 2015, Surescripts processed 4 million e-prescriptions for controlled substances, up from the 1.6 million processed in 2014.