Scheduled and Un-Scheduled Maintenance and Downtime: ERX Workaround

Scheduled and Un-Scheduled Maintenance and Downtime: 

E-Prescribing Workaround

In the event of scheduled or un-scheduled temporary outage affecting the E-Prescribing  system, the following procedures should be followed to ensure continuity of patient care and compliance with applicable laws.

A. Non-Controlled Prescriptions

• Handwritten prescriptions using a standard secure prescription pad

• Verbal orders placed directly to the dispensing pharmacy (where allowed by State law)

• Ensure all prescriptions are appropriately documented in the patient medical record with a note indicating:

  "Prescription issued manually due to E-prescribing system outage on [date/time]."

B. Controlled Substances (Schedules II–V) Prescriptions

• Verbal authorization for controlled substances may be permitted under certain state and federal regulations, particularly for Schedule III–V drugs. However:

  • Many states limit the quantity or days’ supply that can be authorized via phone.

  • Schedule II substances typically cannot be verbally authorized except in emergency situations as defined by DEA guidelines.

• In most states, the veterinarian must follow up any verbal order for a controlled substance with either:

  • A handwritten prescription sent to the pharmacy within 7 days, or

  • An electronic prescription submitted once system access is restored

• Veterinarians are advised to verify state-specific requirements for verbal orders and follow-up obligations.

C. Documentation & Compliance

• All prescriptions issued during the outage must be properly recorded in the patient's chart, including method of transmission and reason for manual issuance.

• Once e-prescribing service is restored, prescriptions issued during the outage should be entered into the system for recordkeeping and reconciliation.

D. Support & Status

For questions or assistance:

• Support Email: support@dawsystems.com

• Support Phone: 866-755-1500 x2-Support

• System Status: Please track status of any maintenance (scheduled and unscheduled) here: https://scriptsure.statuspage.io/