QS/1 Leads Industry in EPCS Security

QS/1 pharmacies already have access to new Signature Indicator to validate electronic prescriptions for controlled substances.

QS/1 is leading the way in the health care industry by implementing additional security measures to better validate electronic prescriptions for controlled substances (EPCS).

Through its partnership with Surescripts, QS/1 pharmacies already have access to the new Signature Indicator (SI).

“The Signature Indicator flag has been the most common signing approach by early adopters to EPCS,” said John Frady, QS/1’s Market Analyst for pharmacy products. “As more doctors and pharmacies use electronic means to prescribe controlled substances, there will be an increase in the use of the even more secure FBCA PKI standard.”

The new security standard is the Federal Bridge Certificate Authority Public Key Infrastructure (FBCA PKI) Digital Signatures for EPCS transmissions. Surescripts uses this standard to transmit signatures to verify they are valid.

The Surescripts network enables bi-directional exchange of information between hospitals, physicians, payers, pharmacies, labs and more.

“While other pharmacy management system software providers may have taken an easier route for EPCS security,” Frady added. “QS/1 took the extra steps to use the FBCA PKI standard. When this becomes the preferred method of validation, QS/1 will not have to go through the process of recertification.”

QS/1 customers who have signed up for EPCS and are on Service Pack 19.1.12 or higher have the ability to use this new format.

###

About QS/1

QS/1, a complete healthcare automation solutions provider, serves pharmacies, HME businesses and LTC facilities. QS/1 is a division of the J M Smith Corporation, the third largest privately held company in South Carolina. For additional information about QS/1, visit www.qs1.com, or call 800-231-7776.

SOURCE: QS/1