DEA approves iBeta’s biometric prescription process

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has approved iBeta LLC’s certification process for a biometrics subsystem for electronic prescriptions for controlled substances (EPCS).

As an accredited and designated testing lab, iBeta has verified, as of May 22, 2012, that its biometrics subsystem, including its interfaces, meet the requirements of the overall regulations governing EPCS, specifically those under section 1311.116 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.

Having been certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and its National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) to test and certify biometric systems according to ANSI and ISO standards, iBeta is now qualified to provide independent third-party testing and certification of biometric systems.

The DEA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice, is responsible for coordinating drug law enforcement activities of the United States.  Starting June 1, 2010, DEA amended its regulations to provide practitioners with the option of issuing EPCS in lieu of paper prescriptions.  It allows the use of biometric technology as a substitute for a hard token or a password.

Dr. Kevin Wilson, iBeta’s Director of Biometrics stated: “Doctors and other prescribers are much less likely to leave their biometric at home, but if they forget their token I guess they will need to switch back to a pad for the day. Any technology that makes a physician’s day easier, benefits both the doctor and the patient.”

Will iBeta’s accreditation help strengthen electronic prescriptions for controlled substances in the U.S.?

 

Article Topics

authentication  |  biometrics  |  healthcare