Purpose: This article walks through the steps to activate EPCS for a self-registered (ID.me) iPrescribe provider.
Audience: Providers registered for iPrescribe who want to activate EPCS prescribing.
To learn more about different accounts, visit iprescribe.com/pricing or contact your Account Manager.
To electronically prescribe controlled substances (EPCS), complete all of these steps:
- Download the ID.me Authenticator app.
- Confirm your mailing address to receive a physical hard token.
- Have a reference verify your identity.
- Verify your identity as a prescriber through ID.me.
- Enter your EPCS provider credentials and activate your profile.
Start EPCS activation
1. Log in to iPrescribe.
2. Tap Activate EPCS from the main menu or a banner notification.
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Download the ID.me Authenticator app
3. iPrescribe asks you to download and install the ID.me Authenticator app on your device.
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4. Once installed, return to iPrescribe and confirm you have completed this step.
Order a physical hard token (i.e., fob, token, authenticator)
5. iPrescribe asks you to order a free hard token (also called a key fob). It will ship to the address you enter and arrive within 5–7 business days.
- Check the address iPrescribe pulls from your practice location. Edit it if needed.
- Tap Ship to this address.
- Tap Submit to place your order.
6. If iPrescribe finds a possible issue with your address, you'll see a screen with three options:
- Keep your original address
- Use a suggested corrected address
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Enter a different address
Note: If iPrescribe can't suggest a correction, you'll see a warning. Review your address carefully before you resubmit.
7. If iPrescribe finds a possible suite or unit number issue, it will ask you to confirm that detail before placing your order.
8. Once you confirm your address, iPrescribe submits your order. You'll get emails at each of these stages:
- Order confirmation
- Shipping notification with a tracking number
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Delivery confirmation
Note: The DEA requires that the device generating your one-time passcode be separate from the device you use to prescribe. Your hard token meets this DEA rule.
Invite a reference
9. Enter your reference's contact information. Most providers choose their practice administrator. Your reference confirms that you are a prescriber authorized to prescribe controlled substances.
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Verify your identity through ID.me
Note: Complete steps 10–13 through ID.me. Look for "ID.me" at the top of your screen. If you run into issues on any ID.me screen, contact ID.me Support directly.
10. iPrescribe opens your browser so you can sign in to ID.me. (identity proofing Step 1: Register for iPrescribe).
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11. Open your ID.me Authenticator app and enter the code it shows.
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12. Confirm your NPI number, DEA number, and the state tied to your DEA number.
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13. Let ID.me verify your identity as a prescriber.
Activate your EPCS profile
14. Tap the menu button in the top left and tap EPCS Activation.
15. Enter your iPrescribe password and a 6-digit one-time pin from your ID.me Authenticator app.
Note: The 6-digit code expires every 30 seconds. If you get an error, go back to the ID.me Authenticator app to get a fresh code.
16. Tap Activate. You are now ready to prescribe.
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You are now ready to prescribe!
Next steps
When your hard token arrives, follow Pair a hard token to your iPrescribe account to link it to your account. We strongly recommend this for two reasons:
- DEA compliance: The DEA requires your OTP-generating device to be separate from your prescribing device.
- Backup access: If you lose your phone or ID.me app, your hard token keeps you from losing access to EPCS.
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