In an effort to help physicians safely and securely prescribe medications to patients via the Internet, the American Medical Association (AMA) recently adopted new guidelines stating that physicians should obtain medical history information and perform a physical examination before prescribing medications online. "The AMA supports the use of this new technology to help physicians care for their patients," said AMA President-elect John C. Nelson, M.D. "Physicians can refer to these new guidelines as they integrate online prescriptions into their practices while continuing to provide high-quality care."
Based on recommendations prepared by the AMA's Council on Medical Services, the new guidelines suggest physicians transmit prescriptions over a secure network that includes features such as password requirements and prescription encryption. In addition, the guidelines stress that physicians who prescribe medication using the Internet should either be licensed in the states where their patients live or meet the regulatory requirements of individual state medical boards.