Phase-in of Electronic Prescriptions: What’s Next and Who’s Affected?
In a significant step forward for healthcare digitization, Italy has switched completely to electronic prescriptions, effective January 1, 2023. However, paper prescriptions remain valid for now, pending operational guidelines from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Sogei, the Ministry of Health, and the Italian medicines agency (AIFA). This transitional phase extends the electronic prescription pilot program launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was originally set to conclude at the end of 2022.
A New Era of Prescribing
From this point forward, 488,000 medical and dental professionals will predominantly use electronic prescriptions, marking a substantial shift in Italy’s healthcare landscape.
Marco Cossolo, president of Federfarma, the association representing private pharmacies nationwide, stressed, "The electronic prescription is now a certain target, but it must be achieved while ensuring full continuity of service. Until explicit decisions from relevant authorities, pharmacies can continue dispensing medications using paper prescriptions to maintain seamless healthcare services."
A Transitional Period: What to Expect
The transition phase will help iron out wrinkles stemming from the switch. Here’s what changes and remains the same:
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Prescription Types: All prescriptions, including those for non-SSN-covered services (‘white prescriptions’), must be generated digitally.
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Printing Permitted but Not Compulsory: Doctors and patients can still print prescriptions, but all prescriptions must be initially generated digitally.
- Temporarily Valid Paper Prescriptions: For now, paper prescriptions for medications and ambulatory services remain valid. This includes ‘white prescriptions.’ Pharmacies and private entities will continue to provide services using these prescriptions.
Overcoming Barriers
While the digital transition promises enhanced health monitoring and electronic health record (EHR) enrichment, it also presents hurdles. Italy’s elderly population uptake of internet and smartphone usage presents a notable challenge (approx. 30% each, according to ISTAT). Efforts to address this gap and ensure accessibility are essential to fully realize the benefits of electronic prescribing.
