Prescribers, Dispensers, Professional Boards and Societies, and other interested parties: E-Prescribing Grace Period
Maine Department of Health & Human Services sent this bulletin at 06/29/2017 02:12 PM EDT
Below, please find for your information a copy of a notice regarding the e-prescribing grace period that is being disseminated to Prescribers, Dispensers, Professional Boards and Societies, and other interested parties.
June 29, 2017
Dear Prescribers, Dispensers, Professional Boards and Societies, and other interested parties:
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services would like to thank you for your commitment to the people of Maine. Under Public Law Chapter 488, An Act to Prevent Opioid Abuse by Strengthening the Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), electronic prescribing becomes mandatory on July, 1, 2017 or individuals would face a penalty.
https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_127th/chapters/PUBLIC488.asp
- Penalties. An individual who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of $250 per violation, not to exceed $5,000 per calendar year, may be adjudged. The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for the enforcement of this section.
Under the Commissioner’s authority, the Department will be allowing a 31 day grace period regarding the enforcement of the penalties.
To be clear, this grace period only applies to the e-prescribing mandate. Chapter 488 Law is still fully in effect.
After this grace period, penalties for individuals who violate this section of the law will be enacted. If you need to apply for an e-Rx waiver, please visit the SAMHS PMP website to complete and submit your application: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/samhs/osa/data/pmp/e-prescribing.htm
Additionally, please find an overview of guidance around opioid prescriptions, exemptions, and special information for veterinarians online: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/samhs/osa/data/pmp/index.htm
For any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the PMP email at SAMHS.PMP@maine.gov.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Pezzullo, DO
State Health Officer