Section 657.21.7. Electronically prepared prescriptions.

A prescriber may initiate and authorize a prescription drug order utilizing a computer or other electronic communication or recording device. The prescription drug order shall contain all information required by Iowa Code section 155A.27. The receiving pharmacist shall be responsible for verifying the authenticity of an electronically transmitted prescription or of an electronic signature as provided by rule 657—8.19(124,126,155A) or 657—21.3(124,155A).

       21.7(1) Controlled substances. A prescription for a controlled substance prepared pursuant to this rule may be transmitted to a pharmacy via facsimile transmission as provided by rule 657—21.9(124,155A) or rules 657—21.12(124,155A) through 657—21.16(124,155A). The transmitted prescription shall include the prescriber’s original signature or electronic signature. A prescription for a controlled substance may be transmitted by a prescriber to a pharmacy via electronic transmission pursuant to DEA requirements for electronic prescribing of controlled substances. Both the prescriber’s electronic prescription application and the pharmacy prescription application shall be certified compliant with DEA regulations for electronic prescriptions. An electronically prepared prescription shall not be electronically transmitted to the pharmacy if the prescription has been printed prior to the electronic transmission. An electronically prepared and electronically transmitted prescription that is printed following the electronic transmission shall be clearly labeled as a copy only, not valid for dispensing.

       21.7(2) Noncontrolled prescription drugs. A prescription for a noncontrolled prescription drug prepared pursuant to this rule may be transmitted to a pharmacy via electronic transmission as provided in rule 657—21.8(124,155A) or via facsimile transmission as provided in rule 657—21.9(124,155A). The transmitted prescription shall include the prescriber’s original signature or electronic signature.

       21.7(3) Printed (hard-copy) prescriptions. A prescription prepared pursuant to this rule may be printed by the prescriber or prescriber’s agent for delivery to a pharmacy. An electronically prepared and electronically transmitted prescription that is printed following the electronic transmission shall be clearly labeled as a copy, not valid for dispensing.

        a.           A prescription for a controlled substance shall include the prescriber’s original signature.

        b.           If the prescriber authenticates a prescription for a noncontrolled prescription drug utilizing an electronic signature, the printed prescription shall be printed on security paper that is designed to prevent photocopying or other duplication of the printed prescription by prominently disclosing the word “void” or “copy” on the duplication or by including a watermark or background that will not appear on duplication. If a watermark or background is used, the prescription shall include a statement that unless the watermark or background appears, the prescription is not valid. Security paper that complies with the security requirements of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, shall be deemed to comply with the security requirements of this paragraph.

        c.           When a prescription prepared pursuant to this subrule is transmitted to a pharmacy via facsimile, or when a prescription prepared pursuant to this subrule is scanned into an electronic record system, the watermark or background will not appear or the word “void” or “copy” will appear. The means of transmission via facsimile and the means of scanning into an electronic record system shall ensure that prescription information is not obscured or rendered illegible due to security features of the paper utilized by the prescriber to prepare the prescription. It is the responsibility of the pharmacist to verify the validity of the prescription as provided by rule 657—8.19(124,126,155A) or 657—21.3(124,155A).

[ARC 7636B, IAB 3/11/09, effective 4/15/09; ARC 9912B, IAB 12/14/11, effective 1/18/12]