This statement of policy clarifies that 'written' medication orders under 55 Pa. Code § 5320.53 include both handwritten and electronically transmitted orders, provided electronic transmissions are encrypted or otherwise secured against unauthorized access or alteration. It also clarifies that 'countersigned' includes electronic signatures compliant with Pennsylvania's Electronic Transactions Act. Facility operators must ensure any electronically transmitted medication orders meet these security requirements.
View official source55 Pa. Code § 5320.53a - Clarification of the term "written"-statement of policy State Regulations Compare (a) The term "written" in § 5320.53 (relating to medication) includes orders that are handwritten or recorded and transmitted by electronic means. (b) Written orders transmitted by electronic means must be electronically encrypted or transmitted by other technological means designed to protect and prevent access, alteration, manipulation or use by an unauthorized person. (c) The term "countersigned" in § 5320.53 (a)(7)(ii) includes a handwritten or electronic signature that is made in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Act ( 73 P. S. §§ 2260.101 - 2260.5101 ). Notes 55 Pa. Code § 5320.53a The provisions of this § 5320.53a adopted August 2, 2013, effective 8/3/2013 , 43 Pa.B. 4355. State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare. No prior version found. State Regulations Toolbox