ePrescriptions in practice without myths or misinformation

Paper prescription forms for medical devices are definitely a thing of the past. Since January 1, 2026, electronic prescription (ePoukaz) is mandatory, with paper forms only permitted in strictly defined cases. The introduction of ePrescriptions is intended to reduce errors in filling out forms, limit duplicate prescriptions, speed up approval by health insurance companies, and minimize opportunities for fraud. According to the State Institute for Drug Control, it also provides greater comfort and safety for patients, who have their medical devices clearly listed in the eRecept application.

The digitization of prescriptions is intended to help eliminate previous practices associated with the misuse of paper prescriptions, which were used in the past as a de facto tool for illegal dispensing. With ePrescriptions, this opportunity disappears, as patients always have the option of picking up their medical devices from the proper dispenser.

The ePoukaz module has been in operation since May 2022. Last year, 1.68 million ePrescriptions were prescribed and 1.56 million were issued, with the rapid uptake of the system illustrated by the fact that approximately 33,000 electronic prescriptions were generated in a single working day in January. Each ePrescription is recorded in a central repository and can be found by patients in the eRecept application. Prescriptions are valid for 30 days, with the option of setting a longer validity period.

To issue an ePrescriptiion, a doctor must have a communication certificate issued by the State Institute for Drug Control (SÚKL), which identifies the healthcare facility or dispenser in the system. User login is linked to the identification used for eRecept, while other employees must register using their citizen ID (identita občana) or the access data of the given entity. A signature certificate is required as well. The law allows for exemptions when a paper prescription may be issued, for example, due to serious technical reasons or in the case of urgent prescriptions for patients at home. Unauthorized issuance of a paper prescription may result in a fine of up to CZK 200,000.

Common misconception about ePrescriptions

With the introduction of mandatory ePrescriptions, there's been some misinformation going around that there's a three-month adjustment period, similar to the one for electronic medical assessments for drivers. However, the Ministry of Health clearly rejects this profoundly. The transition period from January to March 2026 applies exclusively to eAssessments, not ePrescriptions, which are already definitively mandatory.

The "issuance" of devices for acute treatment, especially orthoses and crutches, has also sparked debate. The MoH has therefore allowed for a transitional solution whereby selected devices can be provided directly in the doctor's office if they are dispensed through a dispensary or pharmacy with the same ID number. However, this measure does not constitute a postponement of the mandatory use of ePrescriptions and is intended to ensure the continuity of acute care.

In order to remove any ambiguity, the State Institute for Drug Control (SÚKL) has published rules for prescribing and dispensing medical devices on its website.

Author: Markéta Hrubá