MI HB4659

Beginning October 1, 2021, prescribers must electronically transmit prescriptions directly to a pharmacy of the patient's choice, including controlled substance prescriptions, in compliance with HIPAA standards.

Electronic prescriptions must include prescriber contact information, patient name, electronic signature or identifier, transmission time/date, intended pharmacy identity, and any other federally or state-required information.

Electronic transmission is not required for veterinary prescriptions, temporary technological failures, prescribers with department waivers, emergencies affecting patient care timeliness, oral prescriptions, out-of-state dispensing, prescriptions dispensed within health care facilities, or prescriptions containing unsupported content.

Prescribers must document the specific exception when not electronically transmitting a prescription and provide documentation to the department upon request; prescribers may apply for waivers valid up to 2 years and renewable based on Medicare Centers for Medicaid Services standards.

If federal implementation of electronic controlled substance prescription transmission is delayed beyond October 1, 2021, the department shall delay Michigan's implementation date accordingly.