Can controlled substances be transmitted electronically according to current regulations?

The assertion that controlled substances cannot be transmitted electronically is incorrect. In fact, current regulations do permit electronic transmission of controlled substances, provided certain conditions and requirements are met. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) established a rule allowing electronic prescriptions for controlled substances, which requires prescribers to use certified electronic health record (EHR) systems or e-prescribing applications.

For electronic prescriptions to be valid for controlled substances, the systems must adhere to specific security and data integrity standards that protect patient information and secure the transmission of the prescriptions. These regulations aim to prevent fraud and improve the efficiency of the prescribing process.

While there may be restrictions on specific circumstances or types of medications, the existing regulations do not categorically prohibit the electronic transmission of controlled substances.