Online Pharmacy Laws in Delaware

Prescription Requirements in Delaware

Delaware has specific requirements for prescription medications:

• Valid prescriptions: All controlled medications require a legitimate prescription from a licensed Delaware healthcare provider
• Controlled substances: Schedule II-V prescriptions must comply with both federal DEA requirements and Delaware state law
• Prescription refills: Schedule II medications cannot be refilled. Schedule III-V medications may be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months
• E-prescribing: Delaware may require electronic prescribing for controlled medications — verify current requirements with the state board
• Pharmacist duties: Pharmacists in Delaware play an important role in medication safety and patient counseling

Telehealth Regulations in Delaware

Delaware allows telehealth prescribing of controlled medications after establishing a provider-patient relationship.

• Licensure requirement: Healthcare providers must hold a valid Delaware license to provide telehealth services to patients located in Delaware
• Prescribing via telehealth: Providers may prescribe medications via telehealth, including controlled medications, provided they establish a valid provider-patient relationship
• Telehealth parity: Verify whether Delaware requires health plans to cover telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits
• Patient-provider relationship: A valid patient-provider relationship is required before any prescriptions can be issued via telehealth

Prescription Drug Monitoring in Delaware

Delaware operates the Delaware Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (DE-PMP) as its Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. This system tracks all controlled substance prescriptions dispensed within the state.

• Mandatory checking: Prescribers and dispensers may be required to check the PDMP before prescribing or dispensing controlled medications
• Purpose: To identify potential drug abuse, diversion, and inappropriate prescribing patterns
• Schedule coverage: The PDMP typically tracks Schedule II-V controlled medications

Online Pharmacy Regulations in Delaware

Delaware has regulations governing internet pharmacies and mail-order pharmacies:

• Licensing requirement: All pharmacies operating in Delaware, including internet pharmacies, must be properly licensed
• Prescription requirements: Valid prescriptions from licensed prescribers are required for all prescription medications
• Verification: Patients should verify that internet pharmacies are licensed in Delaware through the appropriate state board
• NABP VIPPS: The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program provides additional verification

Delaware Resources