Enabling Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS)

ePrescribe allows you to prescribe controlled substances, but the DEA requires additional proof of your identity before authorizing you to submit electronic prescriptions for controlled substances (EPCS). ID Proofing uses knowledge-based authentication from Experian.

To enable EPCS:

Complete the 3-step ID Proofing process
Set your ePrescribe PIN
Set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Role Required: Clinician with Medication Management type

Click User Icon > Profile > eRx tab

ID Proofing

To begin the ID Proofing process, click the Start ID Proofing button. You will be taken to the Identity Proofing for Controlled Substances page.

Step 1: Select the checkbox near the top of the page to certify the information you provide is current and correct and to authorize TherapyNotes and its vendor partners to use the information to verify your identity. Be sure to enter your personal information, including your home address and a mobile phone number that is in your name; do not use your practice address or phone number. You will also be required to provide your date of birth and social security number.

Although you are required to enter a credit card number, there is no fee associated with ID Proofing – this is simply part of the verification process. For this reason, do not use a business credit card. Like the personal information above, you need to use a card that is associated with your personal identity.

When you have confirmed all the information on this page is accurate, click the Next button to proceed to Step 2.

Note: If Experian cannot verify that the phone number provided is yours, you will not receive a one-time password to use in Step 2. Instead, you will be prompted to answer knowledge-based questions as in Step 3. If you complete the questions and ID Proofing through this pathway, you will receive a confirmation letter from Experian in the mail in about 2-5 days. This letter will contain a reference number, which you will need to complete 2FA.

Tip: Selecting the Messaging Agreement checkbox will allow Experian to send you a one-time code via SMS to the mobile phone number you enter. It is strongly suggested you do so; otherwise you will need to contact TherapyNotes Support to complete ID Proofing via an alternate method. This alternate method can take several days to complete.

Step 2: Enter your one-time password. If you selected the Messaging Agreement checkbox in Step 1, you should receive an SMS message within a few minutes. If you do not receive the code within a few minutes, click the Cancel link and start again (be sure to double-check your phone number). Once you have received your one-time code, return to this step to enter it, then click the Next button to proceed to Step 3. If you do not select the Messaging Agreement checkbox in Step 1, you will need to complete the ID Proofing process by mail.

Step 3: You will see 3-5 questions provided by Experian based on your financial records. For each question, select the radio button next to the best answer. Note that the best answer may be None of the above/Does not apply, and the page will time out after 3 minutes. When you have answered all the questions, click the Submit button. If the answers you provided match the information on file with Experian, you will see a banner confirming your successful ID Proofing.

Note: If the information you provide does not match what Experian has on file, you can attempt the ID Proofing process one more time. If Experian is not able to find your financial records, or you are unable to complete ID Proofing after two attempts, contact TherapyNotes Support for assistance.

Setting ePrescribe PIN

Upon successfully completing ID Proofing, you will be able to set your ePrescribe PIN. Click the Set PIN button to get started. You will establish a 4-digit PIN that will be used to authorize electronic prescriptions for controlled substances. Do not share this PIN with anyone else. Enter and confirm your 4-digit PIN, then click the Save button.

Setting Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Once you have set your PIN, you can begin the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) setup. Click the Request 2FA Activation Steps button to proceed. This will notify TherapyNotes Support that you are ready to begin your 2FA setup process.

You will receive an email with instructions on how to set up 2FA for ePrescribe. Once you receive the email, return to your staff eRx tab and click the Activate 2FA button to begin the two-step process below:

Note: Your 2FA for ePrescribe is different than using 2FA with your TherapyNotes account.

Step 1: You’ll need to re-enter your mobile phone number and confirm that you are willing to accept text (SMS) messages. You must have a smartphone assigned to this mobile number, because you will need to install an app on your phone. Click the Send DUO Activation Texts button to send two text messages to your phone:

The first message will prompt you to install the DUO Mobile authentication app. If you already have the DUO Mobile app, you can skip this message. Otherwise, follow the prompts until the app is successfully installed on your phone.
Once DUO Mobile has been installed, the second text message will connect your DUO Mobile app to your ePrescribe account.

Step 2: You will need to enter the DUO Passcode generated by the DUO Mobile app and your 4-digit EPCS PIN you just set up. Click the Finish button to confirm that 2FA is set up properly.

Note: If you completed ID Proofing without a one-time password or via a phone interview, you will also need to input the reference number you received in the mail from Experian.