Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed a law requiring all healthcare providers, including dentists, to electronically submit prescriptions for controlled substances, according to an Aug. 11 news release from the Illinois State Dental Society.
Here are four notes for dentists to know:
1. Starting Jan. 1, 2024, dentists will need to electronically submit prescriptions for controlled substances Schedule II-IV.
2. The provider is exempt if they do not issue more than 150 prescriptions during a 12 month period until Dec. 31, 2028. After then, a provider is exempt if they issue 50 or fewer prescriptions in a year.
3. There is an exemption for when patients are in certain locations and situations, including nursing homes, correctional facilities or undergoing hospice care.
4. If the prescriber can prove financial difficulties buying or managing an electronic prescription option, they are exempt.