Are electronic prescriptions required to have the prescriber's signature?

In the context of electronic prescriptions, it is important to understand the regulatory framework surrounding them, particularly concerning signatures. Electronic prescriptions do not require a traditional handwritten signature like those on paper prescriptions. Instead, they can include alternative forms of authorization, such as a faxed signature, biometric authentication, or a secure electronic signature that meets the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) standards.

This alternative form of approval provides the necessary verification that the prescription is legitimate without needing a physical signature. As such, option B is correct because it highlights that electronic prescriptions can be valid even if they contain a fax signature or a security code, which serve as acceptable forms of authentication rather than a traditional signature.

Other options do not reflect the nuances of electronic prescription authentication. For example, the idea that electronic prescriptions always need a prescriber's signature is outdated given advances in technology and regulations. The notion that only controlled substances require a signature overlooks the broader acceptance of secure authentication methods across all types of prescriptions. Lastly, stating that a signature is required only if the patient requests a hard copy does not align with the fact that electronic prescriptions have specific regulatory standards that address signature requirements regardless of the patient's preference for receiving the prescription.