Provides relative to mandatory use of electronic prescriptions. (8/1/18)
SB368 significantly revises existing laws surrounding prescription practices, most notably by expanding prescriptive authority to include advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants. The bill introduces penalties for non-compliance, imposing fines of $250 per violation, capped at $5,000 annually. The legislation also outlines ten specific exceptions under which electronic prescriptions may not be required, thereby acknowledging the need for flexibility in certain circumstances while also emphasizing the importance of making the process primarily electronic. This could lead to more efficiencies in healthcare administration but may pose challenges for some prescribers adjusting to the new rules.
Senate Bill 368 mandates that electronic prescriptions be utilized by all healthcare providers in Louisiana, including physicians, surgeons, optometrists, medical psychologists, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and dentists. The bill stipulates that starting January 1, 2019, no prescriptions may be issued in any other form, except under certain specified exceptions. This move toward mandatory electronic prescribing aims to create a more streamlined and efficient prescription process, ultimately improving patient care and safety. The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy is empowered to create rules to govern this new requirement, reflecting a larger shift towards adopting technology in healthcare practices.
The general sentiment regarding SB368 appears to indicate a supportive stance among healthcare advocates who believe that electronic prescribing will enhance patient safety and reduce errors. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the obligations placed on prescribers to ensure compliance, especially in rural areas where access to technology may be limited. The introduction of exceptions, particularly the hardship waiver for prescribers experiencing difficulties in adopting electronic prescriptions, reflects an attempt to alleviate these concerns while still favoring the transition towards digitization in prescriptions.
Notable points of contention surround the balance between ensuring patient safety through standardized electronic prescribing and the potential administrative burden imposed on healthcare providers. Opponents may fear that the rigid enforcement of electronic prescriptions might overlook individual circumstances where electronic methods are impractical or infeasible. Additionally, the hardship waiver provisions leave room for interpretation, and its implementation might become a point of friction among prescribers and regulatory bodies, as they navigate compliance while attempting to maintain a high standard of patient care.