Pharmacy Question for the Week of October 15, 2018

Question:

Are there any Medicare guidelines for using an electronic signature when ordering medications?

Answer:

In a MLN fact sheet (ICN 905364, May 2018), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provide  the following guidelines for using an electronic signature:

• Systems and software products must include protections against modification, and you should apply administrative safeguards that correspond to standards and laws.
• The individual whose name is on the alternate signature method and the provider bear the responsibility for the authenticity of the attested information You should check with your attorneys and malpractice insurers before using alternative signature methods.
• Part B medications, other than controlled substances, may be ordered through a qualified e-prescribing system.
• Medications incident to durable medical equipment (DME), other than controlled substances, may be ordered through a qualified e-prescribing system.