HIMSS15 Preview: Southampton Hospital’s Success with e-Prescribing of Controlled Substances

As HIMSS15 gets closer, Imprivata continues to preview the presentations that will take place in our booth (#3848). Customers will share their success stories, lessons learned, and best practices using Imprivata solutions.

One of our presenters is Mike Gillin, assistant director of information services at Southampton Hospital in Southampton, N.Y. Mike will showcase how his organization leverages Imprivata Confirm ID™, the industry’s most comprehensive authentication platform for electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS), to improve provider’s e-prescribing workflows and comply with New York State’s I-STOP Act.

Q: Why should EPCS be an important topic for the healthcare IT community?

A: The ability to prescribe controlled substances electronically eliminates dual prescribing workflows for care providers (e-prescribing for non-controlled substances, paper for controlled medications). This will drive greater utilization of e-prescribing, which can help organizations meet Meaningful Use requirements. It will also help meet increasing state mandates requiring EPCS.

2. What are some lessons you've learned regarding implementing EPCS?

While the process for EPCS builds upon earlier e-prescribing practices, there are a few key areas that come into play. Two-factor authentication adds a new component, and the success of the EPCS project depends on provider adoption of and comfort using two-factor authentication. There are also DEA audit requirements, as well as pharmacy readiness to contend with.

3. What are some of the topics you will cover during your presentation in the Imprivata HIMSS15 booth?

My presentation will cover the solution that we implemented at Southampton Hospital, the challenges we faced, and an overview of how all the key stakeholders involved have viewed the solution to give attendees some guidelines and best practices to follow when implementing their own EPCS projects.