Purpose: This article walks through the steps to activate EPCS for a self-registered (ID.me) iPrescribe provider.

Audience: Providers registered for iPrescribe who want to activate EPCS prescribing.

This article covers EPCS activation for self-registered providers using ID.me. It does not cover EPCS activation managed by a practice administrator or enterprise account.

To learn more about different accounts, visit iprescribe.com/pricing or contact your Account Manager.

Start EPCS activation

1. Log in to iPrescribe.

2. Tap Activate EPCS from the main menu or a banner notification.

Activate EPCS options

Download the ID.me Authenticator app

3. Download and install the ID.me Authenticator app on your device when prompted.

4. Return to iPrescribe and confirm you have completed this step.

Order a physical hard token (i.e., fob, token, authenticator)

5. Order your free hard token when prompted. It will ship to the address iPrescribe pulls from your practice location and arrive within 5–7 business days.

• Check the address iPrescribe pulls from your practice location. Edit it if needed.
• Tap Ship to this address.
• Tap Submit to place your order.

6. If iPrescribe finds a possible issue with your address, you will see a screen with three options:

• Keep your original address
• Use a suggested corrected address
• Enter a different address

Note: If iPrescribe cannot suggest a correction, you will see a warning. Review your address carefully before you resubmit.

7. If iPrescribe finds a possible suite or unit number issue, it will ask you to confirm that detail before placing your order.

8. Tap Confirm to submit your order. You will receive emails at each of these stages:

• Order confirmation
• Shipping notification with a tracking number
• Delivery confirmation

Invite a reference

9. Enter your reference's contact information. Most providers choose their practice administrator. Your reference confirms that you are a prescriber authorized to prescribe controlled substances. Your reference will receive an email invitation. They must respond before you can complete identity verification.

Verify your identity through ID.me

10. Tap the link in iPrescribe. Your browser opens so you can sign in to ID.me.

11. Open your ID.me Authenticator app and enter the code it shows.

12. Confirm your NPI number, DEA number, and the state tied to your DEA number.

13. Follow the prompts for ID.me to verify your identity as a prescriber. ID.me confirms your prescriber credentials and returns you to iPrescribe to continue activation.

Activate your EPCS profile

14. Tap the menu button in the top left and tap EPCS Activation.

15. Enter your iPrescribe password and a 6-digit one-time pin from your ID.me Authenticator app.

Note: The 6-digit code expires every 30 seconds. If you get an error, return to the ID.me Authenticator app to get a fresh code.

16. Tap Activate. iPrescribe displays a confirmation screen. Your EPCS profile is now active and you can begin prescribing controlled substances.

Next steps

When your hard token arrives, follow instructions in the Pair a hard token to your iPrescribe account article to link it to your account. We strongly recommend this for two reasons:

• DEA compliance: The DEA requires your OTP-generating device to be separate from your prescribing device.
• Backup access: If you lose your phone or ID.me app, your hard token keeps you from losing access to EPCS.