New e-prescribing standards for Medicare Part D.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), under direction from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), proposed the adoption of final uniform standards for an electronic prescription drug program for formulary and benefit purposes. It also proposed the adoption of a standard identifier for providers and dispensers for use with e-prescribing transactions. The new rules would give healthcare providers electronic access to information about Medicare-reimbursable drugs as well as patient prescription transaction histories. Medicare will require drug plans participating in the Medicare Part D program to abide by the new standards if they plan to send or receive prescriptions electronically. However, adherence to the rules is optional for physicians and pharmacies. The proposed Medicare Part D e-prescribing standards are the latest in a series of evolutionary steps the program has made since 2003, when it became a component of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA). CMS says the standards will facilitate e-prescribing by helping to accelerate EMR adoption and in building a nationwide electronic health information infrastructure. A public comment period for the new rules is open until January 15, 2008. Comments can be submitted electronically to CMS as attachments by clicking on the "Submit electronic comments on CMS regulations with an open comment period" link at www.cms.hhs.gov/ eRulemaking. To read the e-prescribe proposed rule in the Federal Register, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/EPrescribing and click on the "E-Rx Proposed Rule on additional standards" link under "Related Links Outside CMS."