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

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.