BNE Now Issuing Waivers for E-Prescribing Mandate

The NYS Department of Health Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement (BNE) has activated a system to apply for waivers related to the upcoming electronic prescribing mandate for controlled substance prescriptions that is scheduled to start March 27, 2016. 

The BNE website contains information for providers on the regulatory mandate and the process for the registration of electronic prescribing software. In addition, there are publications for consumers and FAQ resources for providers. 

For providers who anticipate not being able to comply with the approaching regulatory mandate, there is a process to apply for a waiver from BNE. The waiver applications are to be submitted for specific venues that the physician plans to practice, and are available to the single practitioner, medical group practice, or institution. A publication by BNE, FAQ for Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances, contains guidance on the waiver application process starting at page 22 in the publication. The waiver application is available through the NYS Health Commerce System (HCS).

1. Log into the HCS at https://commerce.health.state.ny.us

2. Under “My Content” click on “All Applications”

3. Click on “E”

4. Scroll down to Electronic Prescribing Waivers and double click to open the application. You may also click on the “+” sign to add this application under “My Applications” on the left side of the Home screen.

Contact: Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8832.