Electronic prescription information

(a) Prescription information may be transmitted electronically; provided that: (1) The information shall be communicated only between the prescribing practitioner or the prescriber's authorized agent and pharmacies or medical oxygen distributors of the patient's choice; (2) The information shall be communicated in a retrievable, recognizable format acceptable to the intended recipient; (3) No electronic system, software, or other intervening mechanism or party shall alter the practitioner's prescription, order entry, selection, or intended selection without the practitioner's approval, on a per prescription or per order basis. Transmitted prescription information shall not be altered by any system, software, or other intervening mechanism or party prior to receipt by the intended pharmacy or medical oxygen distributor recipient; (4) The prescription information processing system shall provide for adequate confidentiality safeguards provided by any applicable federal or state law; and (5) Practitioners, pharmacists, and medical oxygen distributors shall exercise prudent and professional judgment regarding the accuracy, validity, and authenticity of any prescription information communicated, received, or transferred. (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed or interpreted to prevent the transmission of health care information, including prescription information, between health plans and their authorized agents and prescribing practitioners, pharmacists, and medical oxygen distributors for the purpose of the adjudication or payment of claims.