What is required for a prescription to be considered electronic?

For a prescription to be classified as electronic, it needs to be created and stored using electronic methods, and it must also be associated with an electronic signature. This definition aligns with the growing trend in healthcare towards digital records, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors associated with handwritten prescriptions.

The use of an electronic signature provides a layer of security and authenticity, allowing for easier verification by pharmacists and other healthcare providers. This method also complies with regulations that govern electronic prescriptions, ensuring they are legally recognized and can be processed by pharmacies without issues.

In contrast, the inclusion of a handwritten signature, manual filing and storage, or faxing does not meet the criteria for electronic prescriptions. Handwritten signatures pertain to traditional paper prescriptions, while manual filing is indicative of physical documentation rather than digital records. Faxing typically involves sending a paper prescription via a machine rather than utilizing a completely electronic format, which fails to fulfill the definition of an electronic prescription.