MI HB4217

Requires prescribers to electronically transmit all prescriptions, including controlled substances, directly to a pharmacy of the patient's choice beginning October 1, 2021, in compliance with HIPAA standards.

Establishes exceptions to the electronic transmission requirement for veterinarians, technological failures, prescribers with department waivers, oral prescriptions, out-of-state prescriptions, prescriptions dispensed within health care facilities, and prescriptions containing non-standard content.

Allows prescribers to forgo electronic transmission if they reasonably believe it would delay patient access to medication and adversely affect the patient's medical condition, with documentation required.

Permits the department to grant waivers for up to 2 years (renewable) to prescribers who cannot meet electronic transmission requirements, with standards matching federal Medicare/CMS requirements.

Effective October 1, 2021, with implementation date subject to delay if federal CMS delays its Medicare electronic prescription requirement; act took immediate effect upon July 8, 2020 approval, contingent on enactment of Senate Bills 248 and 254.