Illinois HB5046 introduced to amend 720 ILCS 570/311.6 on e-prescribing exceptions and pharmacy actions when initial e-prescription cannot be filled

HB5046 was introduced to amend the Illinois Controlled Substances Act provisions on electronic prescribing (720 ILCS 570/311.6). As introduced, it would add requirements for dispensers when an initial controlled-substance prescription received electronically cannot be filled due to lack of stock (including immediate patient contact and an option to transfer electronically to another pharmacy), and it would clarify/expand circumstances where prescribers are not required to issue controlled-substance prescriptions electronically (e.g., drug shortages/inventory limitations and timing constraints). Compliance teams should track bill progress and assess impacts to EPCS workflows, patient notification procedures, and pharmacy transfer processes.