PHARMACEUTICALS: OIG Trying To Encourage E-Prescription Switch
Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement
PHARMACEUTICALS:
OIG Trying To Encourage E-Prescription Switch
Published on Mon Sep 26, 2005
Office proposal offers anti-kickback safe harbor.
A new HHS Office of Inspector General-proposed rule may shield providers' electronic prescribing arrangements from the anti-kickback statute. Here's how.
The OIG released a sneak preview of its proposed rule on Oct. 6 that proposes to grant electronic prescribing-related anti-kickback safe harbor to hospitals, group practices, prescription drug plan sponsors and Medicare Advantage organizations.
The proposed rule would add a new section under the safe harbor regulations that would "describe more specifically the items and services protected by the new safe harbor for prescribing drugs electronically; the individuals and entities that may provide the protected items and services; and the conditions under which providing the items and services to prescribing health care professionals, pharmacies and pharmacists would be protected."
Plus: The rule also provides safe harbor protection for certain electronic health records software and training services. The OIG's provisions stem from President Bush's 10-year goal to achieve widespread interoperable EHR adoption.