DHHS → OBH → Substance Use Disorder → Data & Research → E-Prescribing
E-Prescribing Waivers
For Prescribers
State of Maine licensed practitioners may apply for a waiver from electronically prescribing opioid medications under the following circumstances:
- Technological limitations not reasonably within the control of the practitioner
- Other exceptional circumstances not reasonably within the control of the practitioner
Process for Submitting a Waiver
- Waivers must be requested from the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (OBH) Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).
- 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.)
- Reason for request
- Current electronic prescribing capabilities
- Steps that are being taken to meet the e-prescribing mandate
- Date when electronic prescribing capabilities are expected to be fully functional
- Practitioner’s signature
- Responses to waiver requests will be made no later than sixty (60) days from the date a completed application is received by OBH 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 OBH PMP and remains under review after July 1, 2017.
- 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.
- Waivers may be granted depending on the circumstances for a period determined appropriate by the office not to exceed twelve (12) months.
- A practitioner may resubmit a waiver application if e-prescribing capabilities are not achieved within the given timeframe.
- 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 PMP@maine.gov with “Prescriber Electronic Prescribing Waiver Request” in the subject line.
Or, mail to:
Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Behavioral Health
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:
- Technological limitations not reasonably within the control of the pharmacy
- Other exceptional circumstances not reasonably within the control of the pharmacy
Process for Submitting a Waiver
- Waivers must be requested from the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).
- 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.)
- Reason for request
- Current electronic prescribing capabilities
- Steps that are being taken to meet the e-prescribing mandate
- Date when electronic prescribing capabilities are expected to be fully functional
- Authorized signature
- Responses to waiver requests will be made no later than sixty (60) days from the date a completed application is received by OBH PMP.
- 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.
- Waivers may be granted depending on the circumstances for a period determined appropriate by the office not to exceed twelve (12) months.
- A pharmacy may resubmit a waiver application if e-prescribing capabilities are not achieved within the given timeframe.
- 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 PMP@maine.gov with “Pharmacy Electronic Prescribing Waiver Request” in the subject line.
Or, mail to:
Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Behavioral Health
Prescription Monitoring Program
11 State House Station, 41 Anthony Avenue
Augusta, ME 04330-0011
Waiver and Policy
July 28, 2017: Opioid Dispensing Clarifications
July 28, 2017: Electronic Prescribing Clarifications
Electronic Prescribing in Maine: A Guide to Understanding E-Prescribing and its Benefits (PDF)
Pharmacies
E-Prescribing Waiver and Policy for Pharmacies (PDF)
Individual