DEA new policy in Texas on faxing control Meds

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Rxnupe

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Just curious for the Texas, pharmacist- CVS just informed Pharmacist that the DEA will no longer allow electronic faxes or manual faxes for Control prescription refills- you MUST phone the refills in, but the MD's still can fax them back. Now, I have spoken to pharmacist from WAGS and Wal-Mart and they don't know anything about the "new" law.
However, last Friday, one of my co-workers was calling in a re-fill request to an MD's office and the nurse had informed him that they just received the letter from the DEA on the new law so I guess it is legit.
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We were told by our company that we can no longer fax refill requests for controls with the directions and quantity pre-filled in for them to just sign and fax back; the physician has to fill all in the information in themselves. Our system now requires us to manually print the fax request and it now only has the patient's information, the name of the medication and when the patient last filled it and instructs the physician to fill out the form, which has the fields for patient name, address, dob, drug, sig, quantity, etc for the physician to fill in himself and sign and fax back.
 
rx2010 said:
We were told by our company that we can no longer fax refill requests for controls with the directions and quantity pre-filled in for them to just sign and fax back; the physician has to fill all in the information in themselves. Our system now requires us to manually print the fax request and it now only has the patient's information, the name of the medication and when the patient last filled it and instructs the physician to fill out the form, which has the fields for patient name, address, dob, drug, sig, quantity, etc for the physician to fill in himself and sign and fax back.
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This is the correct info and its not just Texas.

Our software vendor helped us set up a form that allows us to fax while remaining compliant.
 
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All4MyDaughter said:
This is the correct info and its not just Texas.

Our software vendor helped us set up a form that allows us to fax while remaining compliant.
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Ok so the law doesn't say it has to be CALLED/PHONED in?? Because our system will not allow us to fax- it prompts us to make a verbal phone call- however, the MD then has to fax back a new prescription.
 
Rxnupe said:
Ok so the law doesn't say it has to be CALLED/PHONED in?? Because our system will not allow us to fax- it prompts us to make a verbal phone call- however, the MD then has to fax back a new prescription.
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Correct, it does not have to be called in. You can fax the request to the MD but you can't have the information already filled in for them. You can fax a refill request that the patient is requesting Norco, but you can't fill in the sig or qty for them like Norco 10/325 1 q6h prn #60. The MD has to fill all that in himself.
 
Wags sent out a memo about this on Thursday. We can continue to send the faxes, but the prescribers must call in rx, fax in a completely new rx, or if applicable, e-scribe one over.
 
Rxnupe said:
Ok so the law doesn't say it has to be CALLED/PHONED in?? Because our system will not allow us to fax- it prompts us to make a verbal phone call- however, the MD then has to fax back a new prescription.
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It can be sent by fax or mail as long as the prescriber sends the original script within 7 days. Otherwise, you'll need to contact the DEA.
 
BenJammin said:
It can be sent by fax or mail as long as the prescriber sends the original script within 7 days. Otherwise, you'll need to contact the DEA.
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I think what you are referring to applies to C2s...
 
😕I am a pharmcist with CVS and was told at a meeting last Sunday that the DEA has a new "guideline" (not regulation) that would prohibit any pharmacy from pre-populating any information on a fax request to a prescriber for a refill of a controlled substance prescription. We were told that all refill requests for controlled substances have to be "phoned in to" the doctor's office. As of 10/10/12 the CVS computers stopped sending electronic faxes to doctors for these refills requests. I have tried to find this new "guideline" on the DEA web-site to no avail. It would be great if someone could post the copy of the letter they received from the DEA so we all could see it. Thanks in advance!
 
Rxnupe said:
Just curious for the Texas, pharmacist- CVS just informed Pharmacist that the DEA will no longer allow electronic faxes or manual faxes for Control prescription refills- you MUST phone the refills in, but the MD's still can fax them back. Now, I have spoken to pharmacist from WAGS and Wal-Mart and they don't know anything about the "new" law.
However, last Friday, one of my co-workers was calling in a re-fill request to an MD's office and the nurse had informed him that they just received the letter from the DEA on the new law so I guess it is legit.
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Can you obtain a copy of the DEA letter from the above mentioned office and post it for all to see? Thanks!
 
bargeratt said:
😕I am a pharmcist with CVS and was told at a meeting last Sunday that the DEA has a new "guideline" (not regulation) that would prohibit any pharmacy from pre-populating any information on a fax request to a prescriber for a refill of a controlled substance prescription. We were told that all refill requests for controlled substances have to be "phoned in to" the doctor's office. As of 10/10/12 the CVS computers stopped sending electronic faxes to doctors for these refills requests. I have tried to find this new "guideline" on the DEA web-site to no avail. It would be great if someone could post the copy of the letter they received from the DEA so we all could see it. Thanks in advance!
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This is what I received from my state BOP:

DEA RULING ON PRE-POPULATED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRESCRIPTIONS

The Drug Enforcement Administration has ruled that pharmacists cannot send a reminder letter to a prescriber that contains pre-populated information on the prescription portion of the reminder letter.
This means that a pharmacist cannot fax a refill request for patient for a controlled substance with the previous information pre-populated on the form for the prescriber to sign and fax back to the pharmacy.
The following is permissible: The pharmacist can fax a form that is a reminder to the prescriber that the patient is needing a refill for his/her controlled substance and at the bottom of the form the prescription is left blank for the prescriber to complete, sign, and then return to the pharmacist. If this form is not completed and the prescriber sends back a prescription on a different form then it must meet the requirements of being faxed on a controlled substance security prescription pad-or the pharmacist must call for verbal approval.
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BenJammin said:
So he can't read my edit? I'm correct so what's the beef?
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Eh? You weren't correct. You posted something that applied to CIIs and didn't make sense in this thread. We were talking about the new regulations for faxed CS refill requests - that doesn't apply to CIIs at all in any shape or form. Do you know why?
 
BenJammin said:
CIIs. Learn to read?
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He is just messing with you because, generally, most pharmacists will know the difference in DEA regulations for CIII-CV's and CII's (before correcting it). At least you did correct it. It was funny though.
 
pharmnet said:
He is just messing with you because, generally, most pharmacists will know the difference in DEA regulations for CIII-CV's and CII's (before correcting it). At least you did correct it. It was funny though.
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No, the best part is he did not correct the mistake. He left the original incorrect statement and editted in the correct answer. Then he tried to act all cool about it like everything was okay since he eventually figured out the correct answer.
 
MountainPharmD said:
No, the best part is he did not correct the mistake. He left the original incorrect statement and editted in the correct answer. Then he tried to act all cool about it like everything was okay since he eventually figured out the correct answer.
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It wasn't a mistake, I just didn't make it clear what I was referring to. What more do you want from me? Get over yourself. I'm right and you guys have acknowledged that so what's the beef? Beyond me for sure.
 
I will let your own words speak for themselves. Oh and by the by your first statement isn't even correct about C-II's. I suggest you spend some time with the pharmacists manual.

http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/manuals/pharm2/index.html



BenJammin said:
It can be sent by fax or mail as long as the prescriber sends the original script within 7 days. Otherwise, you'll need to contact the DEA.
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BenJammin said:
No, I'm correct.

edit: lol I'm referring to CIIs, my bad
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Let me help you get started.

4.Within seven days after authorizing an emergency telephone prescription, the prescribing practitioner must furnish the pharmacist a written, signed prescription for the controlled substance prescribed. The prescription must have written on its face “Authorization for Emergency Dispensing” and the date of the oral order. The written prescription may be delivered to the pharmacist in person or by mail, but if delivered by mail, it must be postmarked within the seven day period.
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I'm going to throw two more scenarios into this mess. I don't allow them myself, but I've seen other pharmacists do them so I'm wondering who's right??

1. The prescriber faxes a C-III, C-IV or C-V script directly from the computer software. The software types up the entire script and also includes a representation of the prescriber's signature that was presumably scanned into the computer when it was setup. It then faxes it to the pharmacy through a built-in fax/modem, so the script does not print out and the prescriber cannot sign it manually. I don't believe this is classified as an electronic prescription because of the fax part, which is not secure.

2. A C-II script from a hospice is called in, the pharmacist writes it down on a prescription blank, and dispenses it. The hospice faxes the script later.
i) would you do it for a 3 day supply?
ii) a 30 day supply?
 
pezdispenser said:
I'm going to throw two more scenarios into this mess. I don't allow them myself, but I've seen other pharmacists do them so I'm wondering who's right??

1. The prescriber faxes a C-III, C-IV or C-V script directly from the computer software. The software types up the entire script and also includes a representation of the prescriber's signature that was presumably scanned into the computer when it was setup. It then faxes it to the pharmacy through a built-in fax/modem, so the script does not print out and the prescriber cannot sign it manually. I don't believe this is classified as an electronic prescription because of the fax part, which is not secure.

2. A C-II script from a hospice is called in, the pharmacist writes it down on a prescription blank, and dispenses it. The hospice faxes the script later.
i) would you do it for a 3 day supply?
ii) a 30 day supply?
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CA law covers both scenarios.

I'll have to find the BOP's response on them, but it differentiates between electronically generated rx's which CA doesn't currently allow for controls and electronically transmitted rx's (faxed) which can be for controls. Faxed rx's must have a handwritten date and signature. They must also be reduced to writing by the pharmacist (which for Walgreen's meant the pharmacist had to sign and date the faxed rx signifying it had be read/approved.)

From CA BOPs recent newsletter:
" Q. If a fax is received for a controlled substance, is an electronic or digital signature of the prescriber sufficient, or do I need to call the prescriber to verify and then treat it as a verbal prescription?
A. If an image of the prescription is faxed from the prescriber’s fax machine to the pharmacy’s fax machine, the prescriber’s written signature is required. Controlled substances prescriptions cannot be transmitted from a computer to a pharmacy fax or to a pharmacy computer."

CII's can be faxed/phoned only in certain circumstances and a hard copy must be received by the pharmacy within 7 days from the time of dispensing.
 
MountainPharmD said:
I will let your own words speak for themselves. Oh and by the by your first statement isn't even correct about C-II's. I suggest you spend some time with the pharmacists manual.

http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/manuals/pharm2/index.html


Let me help you get started.
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Did you even read what you posted? Thank you for showing everyone I'm right about C-IIs. I've dealt with these issues for awhile now so I know how to handle those kinds of scripts. No need to baby me guys, I have this under control (no pun intended). Everything you quoted is what is done here and is what I've posted in this topic. But I'm used to you guys picking on me for no reason.
 
BenJammin said:
Did you even read what you posted? Thank you for showing everyone I'm right about C-IIs. I've dealt with these issues for awhile now so I know how to handle those kinds of scripts. No need to baby me guys, I have this under control (no pun intended). Everything you quoted is what is done here and is what I've posted in this topic. But I'm used to you guys picking on me for no reason.
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Really? I proved you were right? Really.....

Tell me which part of this statement is correct......

It can be sent by fax or mail as long as the prescriber sends the original script within 7 days. Otherwise, you'll need to contact the DEA.
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What can be sent by fax or mail? Oh yeah you told us already....

BenJammin said:
CIIs. Learn to read?
Click to expand...

You are a genius!
 
BenJammin said:
Did you even read what you posted? Thank you for showing everyone I'm right about C-IIs. I've dealt with these issues for awhile now so I know how to handle those kinds of scripts. No need to baby me guys, I have this under control (no pun intended). Everything you quoted is what is done here and is what I've posted in this topic. But I'm used to you guys picking on me for no reason.
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you're a *******

"faxed/mail as long as prescriber send in an original within 7 days"

let's mail the pharmacy an emergency script??? Why wouldn't it just be the original. Again, you're a *******
 
MountainPharmD said:
Really? I proved you were right? Really.....

Tell me which part of this statement is correct......



What can be sent by fax or mail? Oh yeah you told us already....



You are a genius!
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HouTX said:
you're a *******

"faxed/mail as long as prescriber send in an original within 7 days"

let's mail the pharmacy an emergency script??? Why wouldn't it just be the original. Again, you're a *******
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I don't get it. He says you can fax a C2, you say he can fax a C2, you can fax a C2 under the stipulated circumstances......so why the name calling again?😕
 
Farmercyst said:
I don't get it. He says you can fax a C2, you say he can fax a C2, you can fax a C2 under the stipulated circumstances......so why the name calling again?😕
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as a whole, his statement is false. I just had to chime in because he is blatantly wrong yet believes otherwise

All4MyDaughter said:
What's most confusing to me is that this thread was never about C2s...
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exactly. wonder how'd he passed his mpje
 
HouTX said:
exactly. wonder how'd he passed his mpje
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I've asked him at least twice why he thought this thread was about CIIs when it was always about faxed REFILLS for controls. Unless he thinks CIIs are refillable or something... I think he just looked at the thread title, was confused and replied without really reading the OP. But at this point, he's not going to admit that.
 
HouTX said:
you're a *******

"faxed/mail as long as prescriber send in an original within 7 days"

let's mail the pharmacy an emergency script??? Why wouldn't it just be the original. Again, you're a *******
Click to expand...

I'll answer your question the same way a police officer would answer "why is the speed limit on I-35 70 MPH": because it's the law. If I'm a ******* for following the law then what does that make you?
 
BenJammin said:
He clearly believes what he says so why shouldn't I address his comments?
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You've mistaken my intent. You are trolling this thread. No reasonable person could conclude anything else. But you knew that was what I meant. I shouldn't take your trollbait. 😉
 
in regards to the following argument:
"faxed/mail as long as prescriber send in an original within 7 days"


i had a good laugh! ^_^. i wonder how the prescriber send in an original if not by mail? are there other means of delivery?
 
sosoo said:
in regards to the following argument:
"faxed/mail as long as prescriber send in an original within 7 days"


i had a good laugh! ^_^. i wonder how the prescriber send in an original if not by mail? are there other means of delivery?
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He can personally delivery it himself to the pharmacy, which I doubt he would do. Hahaha.
 
BenJammin said:
I'll answer your question the same way a police officer would answer "why is the speed limit on I-35 70 MPH": because it's the law. If I'm a ******* for following the law then what does that make you?
Click to expand...

He's trying to tell you that a fax does not serve as an original like how you stated in your post: "It can be sent by fax or mail as long as the prescriber sends the original script within 7 days. Otherwise, you'll need to contact the DEA."
 
Can we just clear this up please?

A prescriber can phone in a C-II script and the pharmacy must receive the SAME written script with "Authorization for Emergency Dispensing" written on it within 7 days. However, the quantity is limited to the duration of the emergency, so I'd say only about 3 DAYS SUPPLY is ok. The prescriber can't just prescribe a full 30 day script over the phone and then mail the script later. Nor can they prescribe 3 days over the phone, then mail in 1 script for 30 days, afterwards . You would need 2 separate scripts. One the same as the oral 3 day script, and then you can do whatever you want on the second script.

A LTCF, hospice terminally ill patient, and certain parenteral scripts for C-IIs can be FAXED, and the fax serves as the original script. No mailed in written script is required. The DEA still does not allow oral scripts in these circumstances. The reason I posted scenario #2 was because usually the hospice calls to make sure the drug is in stock, and to arrange payment and pickup, but usually they give the script over the phone as well so the pharmacist writes it down on a script pad and dispenses straight off this before receiving the fax or written script. That's what I don't agree with, especially because my pharmacy scans in scripts to serve as the official prescription file, so it's not clear when the fax was received or where it is filed.
 
sosoo said:
in regards to the following argument:
"faxed/mail as long as prescriber send in an original within 7 days"


i had a good laugh! ^_^. i wonder how the prescriber send in an original if not by mail? are there other means of delivery?
Click to expand...

don't be dense like benjammin. a prescriber would provide an oral/fax emergency prescription THEN mail/provide in person an original within 7 days. He clearly said fax/mail then prescriber send in an original.
 
rx2010 said:
He can personally delivery it himself to the pharmacy, which I doubt he would do. Hahaha.
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We had one offive we faxed C2 "refill" requests to and they would send a courier over with originals the next day. Pretty awesome setup for us.

Sent from my LG-MS910 using SDN Mobile
 
HouTX said:
don't be dense like benjammin. a prescriber would provide an oral/fax emergency prescription THEN mail/provide in person an original within 7 days. He clearly said fax/mail then prescriber send in an original.
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he clearly said fax/MAIL an emergency script. you clearly said fax/ORAL emergency script. why would anyone MAIL an emergency and then send in an original?
 
rx2010 said:
He's trying to tell you that a fax does not serve as an original like how you stated in your post: "It can be sent by fax or mail as long as the prescriber sends the original script within 7 days. Otherwise, you'll need to contact the DEA."
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Why would he need to tell me that when I already addressed it in the sentence you quoted? You didn't even read what you posted. Now do you guys see why I just assume you all rag on me for the fun of it?
 
BenJammin said:
Why would he need to tell me that when I already addressed it in the sentence you quoted? You didn't even read what you posted. Now do you guys see why I just assume you all rag on me for the fun of it?
Click to expand...

We rag on you because you make it so darn easy. Like taking candy from a baby!
 
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