E-Prescribing Waivers

For Prescribers
State of Maine licensed practitioners may apply for a waiver from electronically prescribing opioid medications under the following circumstances:

  1. Technological limitations not reasonably within the control of the practitioner
  2. Other exceptional circumstances not reasonably within the control of the practitioner

Process for Submitting a Waiver

  1. Waivers must be requested from the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHS) Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).
  2. Waiver applications must include all of the following. (Please note: Incomplete applications will not be processed. Incomplete applications will be sent back to the applicant with a letter indicating the reason for deferral.)
    1. Reason for request
    2. Current electronic prescribing capabilities
    3. Steps that are being taken to meet the e-prescribing mandate
    4. Date when electronic prescribing capabilities are expected to be fully functional
    5. Practitioner’s signature
  3. Responses to waiver requests will be made no later than sixty (60) days from the date a completed application is received by SAMHS PMP. You will not be penalized for non-compliance to the e-prescribing requirement of PL 488 if your completed application has been received by SAMHS PMP and remains under review after July 1, 2017.
  4. Applicants will receive a verification certificate upon receipt and approval of waiver applications that should be included with all written opioid prescriptions sent to pharmacies.
  5. Waivers may be granted depending on the circumstances for a period determined appropriate by the office not to exceed twelve (12) months.
  6. A practitioner may resubmit a waiver application if e-prescribing capabilities are not achieved within the given timeframe.
  7. Complaint will be filed with the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine for practitioners not in compliance with the PMP e-prescribing requirements.

Please email the completed form and supporting documentation to SAMHS.PMP@maine.gov with “Prescriber Electronic Prescribing Waiver Request” in the subject line.

Or, mail to:

Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Prescription Monitoring Program
11 State House Station, 41 Anthony Avenue
Augusta, ME 04330-0011

 

For Pharmacies

State of Maine licensed pharmacies may apply for a waiver from electronically processing opioid medication prescriptions under the following circumstances:

  1. Technological limitations not reasonably within the control of the pharmacy
  2. Other exceptional circumstances not reasonably within the control of the pharmacy

Process for Submitting a Waiver

  1. Waivers must be requested from the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHS) Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).
  2. Waiver applications must include all of the following. Incomplete applications will not be processed. (Incomplete applications will be sent back to the applicant with a letter indicating the reason for deferral.)
    1. Reason for request
    2. Current electronic prescribing capabilities
    3. Steps that are being taken to meet the e-prescribing mandate
    4. Date when electronic prescribing capabilities are expected to be fully functional
    5. Authorized signature
  3. Responses to waiver requests will be made no later than sixty (60) days from the date a completed application is received by SAMHS PMP.
  4. Applicants will receive a verification certificate upon receipt and approval of waiver applications that should be included with all written opioid prescriptions sent to pharmacies.
  5. Waivers may be granted depending on the circumstances for a period determined appropriate by the office not to exceed twelve (12) months.
  6. A pharmacy may resubmit a waiver application if e-prescribing capabilities are not achieved within the given timeframe.
  7. Complaint will be filed with the Maine Board of Pharmacy for pharmacies not in compliance with the PMP e-prescribing requirements.

Please email the completed form and supporting documentation to SAMHS.PMP@maine.gov with “Pharmacy Electronic Prescribing Waiver Request” in the subject line.

Or, mail to:

Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Prescription Monitoring Program
11 State House Station, 41 Anthony Avenue
Augusta, ME 04330-0011