NC S768

Establishes standards for practitioners to electronically transmit prescriptions for controlled substances to pharmacies, including requirements for valid patient relationships, transmitter identification, digital signatures, and secure transmission methods.

Requires electronic prescriptions to identify the transmitter's telephone number, transmission time and date, intended pharmacy recipient, and any other information required by federal or State law.

Mandates that electronic prescriptions be transmitted directly from practitioner to pharmacy of patient's choice in a manner preventing unauthorized access, viewing, or alteration before receipt at the pharmacy.

Sets standards for electronic prescribing software and hardware, including real-time access to controlled substances covered by insurance, available formulary and benefit information, restrictions on advertising that influences prescribing decisions, and access to clinical decision-making data.

Effective October 1, 2011.