Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 480 - RULES OF GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY
Chapter 480-27 - REQUIREMENTS OF A PRESCRIPTION DRUG ORDER WHEN UTILIZING A COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS
Rule 480-27-.01 - Definitions

(a) Authentication. Any process by which the identities of the parties sending and receiving electronic prescription data are verified.

(b) Automated Electronic Data Processing System. A system utilizing computer software and hardware for the purpose of record-keeping and/or receiving prescription drug orders. Any and all such systems that are compatible and capable of interacting with, and electronically transferring prescription drug data with any other system must be in compliance with the rules of the Board for use in electronic prescription monitoring.

(c) Board. The Georgia State Board of Pharmacy.

(d) Computer. Programmable electronic device capable of multi-function including but not limited to storage, retrieval, and processing of information.

(e) Controlled Substances. Those drug items regulated by federal law and/or the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.

(f) Dangerous Drugs. Those drug items and devices regulated by the Georgia Dangerous Drug Act.

(g) Digital ID. An authenticated identifiable signature than can be attached to an electronic e-mail and is tamper proof.

(h) Downtime. That period of time when a computer is not operable.

(i) Electronic Means. An electronic device used to send, receive, and/or store prescription drug order information, including computers, facsimile machines, etc.

(j) Electronic Signature. An electronically reproduced visual image signature or an electronic data signature of a practitioner, which appears on, is attached to, or is logically associated with an electronic prescription drug order.

(k) Facsimile. A hard copy prescription drug order sent via a facsimile machine.

(l) Hard Copy. A fileable prescription drug order which is written or printed via electronic means.

(m) Hardware. The fixed component parts of a computer.

(n) HIPPA. The Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act and the associated security standards for the protection of electronic protected health information.

(o) Intervening Electronic Formatter. An entity that is not prohibited under O.C.G.A. Section 26-4-80(c)(1) and (5), and that provides the infrastructure that connects a computer or automated electronic data processing system or other electronic device used by a prescribing practitioner with a computer or automated electronic data processing system or another electronic device used by the pharmacy to facilitate the secure transmission of:

(p) Practitioner Drug Order. A drug order written in an institutional practice/setting in a patient's chart for a specific patient. It is not necessary to reduce to writing as required for a prescription drug order.

(q) Prescriber. A practitioner authorized to prescribe and acting within the scope of this authorization.

(r) Prescription Drug Order. A lawful order from a practitioner, acting within the scope of his or her license to practice, for a drug or device for a specific patient. Such order includes a written order from the practitioner, a telephone order reduced to writing by the pharmacist, and electronic image prescription drug order and an electronic data prescription drug order.

(s) Print-out. A hard copy document generated by computer or other electronic means that is readable without the aid of any special device.

(t) Regulatory Agency. Any federal or state agency charged with enforcement of pharmacy or drug laws and regulations, i.e., the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency (GDNA), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), or the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance (Medicaid).

(u) Security Paper. Paper with security features on which the electronic visual image prescription drug order of a practitioner is printed and presented to a patient so as to ensure that a prescription drug order is not subject to any form of copying, reproduction, or alteration, and may include a watermark produced by the electronic digital process when a prescription is printed that clearly shows if a prescription has been reproduced or copied in an unauthorized manner. Such security paper shall include, at a minimum, but not limited to, the following security features:

(v) Software. Programs, procedures, and systems for receipt and/or storage of required information data.

(w) Stop Date. In institutional settings, the practitioner normally indicates on his/her drug order, the length of time to administer the medication. In absence of such a notation, a committee will have determined by policy, the length of time to administer the medication by category.