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Electronic drug prescriptions can be delivered to pharmacists in all 50 states for the first time this week as Alaska became the final state to join the technological bandwagon. In the past year, Georgia, South Carolina and West Virginia have all joined the national network, and the change in Alaska regulations means doctors' hieroglyphic handwriting and prescription pads could soon be a thing of the past. Using electronic prescriptions has several notable perks. It can reduce the risk of pharmacists incorrectly filling prescriptions because they can't understand doctors' handwriting. It promises to reduce paperwork and help thwart forgeries — the electronic delivery ensures it is delivered directly to the pharmacy from the doctor. According to DEA regulations, prescriptions for some controlled substances, such as OxyContin, cannot be transmitted electronically; a printed prescription is still required. Some critics have said the program opens the door to new problems, such as hackers and data corruption. But Holm said the board was convinced the process is secure and individual doctors and pharmacies would be tasked with keeping it that way.
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