This is a result of Minnesota statute 62J.497 that requires all prescribers to use electronic prescribing (http://www.health.state.mn.us/e-health/eprescribing/index.html). This became effective January 1st, 2011.
You would expect that in over a year all prescribers in Minnesota would have complied, but that is not the case because the state has chosen not to enforce this statute… yet. Expect their Department of Health to announce plans to enforce the law in the future.
I think this approach in establishing e-prescribing in the state is very effective and the Safe Rx rankings bear this out.
Dentistry should make plans to embrace electronic prescribing. If your practice management system does not offer this, you should look for one which does or a standalone electronic prescribing product.
I’ve not heard of any other states writing legislation to mandate e-prescribing but with the success demonstrated by Minnesota, I can’t imagine those laws being too far behind.
E-prescribing is a right click for dentistry.
