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Texas controlled substance e-prescribing requirements and waivers

Electronic prescribing of controlled substances will be required for Texas physicians beginning January 1, 2021.

Legislation passed in 2019 mandates that controlled substances be prescribed electronically, with a few exceptions. Prescribers may request a waiver from the electronic prescribing requirements for economic hardship; technological limitations not within control of the physician; or other exceptional circumstances.

Waivers can be obtained from the Texas Medical Board and instructions are available here.

The Texas Controlled Substances Act Section 481.0755 includes a full list of exceptions to electronic prescribing, which includes such instances as:

  • temporary technological or electronic failure;
  • when being dispensed by a pharmacy located outside the state;
  • when the prescriber and dispenser are in the same location or under the same license;
  • for drugs that the FDA requires additional prescription information that is not possible to include with electronic prescribing.

Once approved, waivers will be issued for one year. Physicians may apply for a subsequent waiver no more than 30 days before an active waiver expires.


Resources

Texas Medical Board E-Prescribing Waiver information and FAQs

Texas Medical Association — Texas Medical Board posts more details on e-prescribing waivers