As the opioid epidemic continues to impact people and communities across the U.S., both private and public sector leaders are increasingly embracing EPCS as a critical tool in the nation's response to the deepening crisis.
Healthcare IT teams are constantly striving to introduce innovative technologies across their organizations securely and in a way that does not hinder clinical workflows for end-users2. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of patient care. To achieve this goal and to develop systems that support clinicians, IT should engage those involved in the day-to-day interactions with patients. Unfortunately, healthcare technology is sometimes implemented without the input of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.
On June 19, the U.S. House of Representatives passed important legislation that would “require e-prescribing for coverage under part D of the Medicare program of prescription drugs” by January 1, 2020. Requiring electronic prescription of controlled substances (EPCS) would establish a milestone for the role of information technology in combatting prescription drug abuse, particularly the opioid crisis that has gripped our country.