Purpose: Show the steps required to activate EPCS for a self-registered (ID.me) iPrescribe provider.
Audience: Providers who are registered for iPrescribe and want to activate EPCS prescribing.
To electronically prescribe controlled substances (EPCS), you will need to complete ALL these steps:
- Download the ID.me Authenticator app.
- Confirm your desired address to receive a physical device.
- Have a reference verify your identity.
- Verify your identity as a prescriber via ID.me.
- Enter your EPCS provider credentials and activate your profile.
Select Activate EPCS
1. Login to iPrescribe.
2. To begin, select Activate EPCS from the main menu or a banner ad notification.
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Install ID.me Authenticator App
3. iPrescribe prompts you to download the ID.me Authenticator app and install it on your device.
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4. When you are done open the iPrescribe app again. iPrescribe will ask you to confirm that you have installed the ID.me Authenticator app.
Order Physical Authenticator Device (i.e., fob, token)
5. Next, you will enter a mailing address of your choice to receive a physical device that you can use for two factor authentication when you send controlled substance prescriptions to pharmacies. This should arrive in 5-7 business days with instructions.
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Invite a Reference
6. Next, enter your reference's contact information. Typically, providers select their practice administrator.
The reference needs to verify your identity as a prescriber who is authorized to prescribe controlled substances before you are able to electronically prescribe controlled substances.
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Verify Your Prescriber Identity via ID.me
Note: Steps 7-10 are completed through ID.me, indicated by the words ID.me across the top of your screen. Contact ID.me Support if you have issues on a screen with ID.me across the top.
7. Next, the iPrescribe app opens your browser for you to sign into ID.me (identity proofing Step 1: Register for iPrescribe).
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8. When prompted, open your ID.me Authenticator app and enter the code in the ID.me screen that you have open.
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9. Verify your NPI number, DEA number, and the state associated with your DEA number.
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10. Allow ID.me to verify your identity as a prescriber.
Validate your Password & ID.me Authenticator App Code
11. Tap the menu button in the top left corner, and select EPCS Activation.
12. Next, enter your login password and a 6-digit one-time-PIN from your ID.me Authenticator app.
Note: The 6-digit security code times out after 30 seconds, so go back to the ID.me Authenticator app and get a new one if you get an error message.
13. Tap Activate to complete the process to set up prescribing of controlled substances.
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You are now ready to prescribe!
Next Steps
Once you receive the physical device you ordered in step 5 of this article, we highly recommend going to Step 6: Add Controlled Substance Tokens.
Completing Step 6: Add Controlled Substance Tokens will benefit you in two ways:
- Compliance with DEA regulations. The DEA requires the device that generates your one-time-PIN for two-factor authentication be on a different device than the device you use to prescribe.
- Having a back up two-factor authentication device. If you lose access to your ID.me Authenticator app, existing phone, or get a new phone, having other authenticators associated to your account will help you avoid losing access to electronic prescribing of controlled substances in iPrescribe.
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