NY Pharmacist

[mipharmd]

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Are electronically prescribed prescriptions for Insulin Syringes/ Pen Needles allowed in NY?

Also Does Medicare Part B and Medicaid Allow Escribe Diabetic Testing supplies (strips, lancets, alcohol prep)? (is the script valid)

I have been looking and trying to find the statue but have not been able to find it. I thought that neither one is valid but some of coworkers say it is fine.

 

[Sparda29]

Are electronically prescribed prescriptions for Insulin Syringes/ Pen Needles allowed in NY?

Also Does Medicare Part B and Medicaid Allow Escribe Diabetic Testing supplies (strips, lancets, alcohol prep)? (is the script valid)

I have been looking and trying to find the statue but have not been able to find it. I thought that neither one is valid but some of coworkers say it is fine.

I hope so, since I've probably filled hundreds of e-scripts for diabetic supplies thru MedPartB and Medicaid at my independent job.

 

[mipharmd]

What about syringes and pen needles?

 

[owlegrad]

Why wouldn't they be?

 

[zelman]

Why wouldn't they be?

In NY, syringes need to be on written rx's (i.e. no phone-ins unless you get a covering script mailed in afterward). But I think that law was from before they were available OTC, and I'm sure it was from before e-prescribing. If I had to guess, I'd say it's technically illegal, but nobody will ever call you out on it.

 

[owlegrad]

In NY, syringes need to be on written rx's (i.e. no phone-ins unless you get a covering script mailed in afterward). But I think that law was from before they were available OTC, and I'm sure it was from before e-prescribing. If I had to guess, I'd say it's technically illegal, but nobody will ever call you out on it.

Gotcha, thanks! 👍

 

[mipharmd]

I heard back from the narcotic division of NY State. and she says

"Insulin cartridges/pens fall under the same regulations with hypodermic needles and syringes. Until conforming regulations have been adopted, electronic prescribing of hypodermic needles and syringes is not yet permissible. The Bureau is currently working on the corresponding regulations. Until such notice, regulations as written in Section 80.131 of Title 10 Part 80 Rules and Regulations on Controlled Substance apply."

Just thought I would share since I heard a response back.

 

[Ackj]

Lots of variation on this in practice. Some rph will accept and some won't. One sensible thing I've heard from a few different pharmacists is to think about the spirit of the law, which would be IVDU. You can't draw anything up using an Epi-pen, pen needle, or lancet, so those get a pass.

Not saying it's 100% kosher, because the law is so poorly defined, but at least it seemed defensible.