Surescripts Certification Guide - 2013

Participant Certification Guide
ePrescribing Core Services
Date: 2013
COPYRIGHT 2013 BY SURESCRIPTS, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL. THIS DOCUMENT AND ALL
OTHER DOCUMENTS, MATERIALS, AND INFORMATION, TRANSMITTED OR ORALLY COMMUNICATED BY SURESCRIPTS IN THE COURSE OF
THE PARTIES DEALINGS CONSTITUTE AND ARE HEREBY DESIGNATED AS PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF
SURESCRIPTS, AND MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED (IN WHOLE OR IN PART) WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF
SURESCRIPTS
PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATION GUIDE

PUBLISHED BY
SURESCRIPTS, L.L.C.
920 2ND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402
PHONE866-797-3239
FAX: 651-855-3001
2800 CRYSTAL DRIVE
ARLINGTON, VA 22202
PHONE: 866-797-3239
FAX: 703-921-2191
WWW.SURESCRIPTS.COM
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. This document is the property of
Surescripts, LLC, and contains information that is proprietary and confidential. Surescripts is a registered
trademark of Surescripts, LLC. The Surescripts logo is a trademark of Surescripts, LLC. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
COPYRIGHT 2013 BY SURESCRIPTS, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL. THIS DOCUMENT AND ALL
OTHER DOCUMENTS, MATERIALS, AND INFORMATION, TRANSMITTED OR ORALLY COMMUNICATED BY SURESCRIPTS IN THE COURSE OF
THE PARTIES DEALINGS CONSTITUTE AND ARE HEREBY DESIGNATED AS PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF
SURESCRIPTS, AND MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED (IN WHOLE OR IN PART) WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF
SURESCRIPTS
Table of Contents
1
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 4
1.1
Document Purpose........................................................................................................................... 4
1.2
About Surescripts ............................................................................................................................ 4
1.3
Terms Used in This Guide .............................................................................................................. 5
SURESCRIPTS CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW ............................................ 6
2.1
About Certification .......................................................................................................................... 6
2.2
Certification Team Responsibilities ............................................................................................... 6
2.3
Certification Policy .......................................................................................................................... 7
2.4
Certification Requirements ............................................................................................................ 7
2.5
How Surescripts Certification Helps Participants ........................................................................ 7
2.6
Surescripts e-Prescription Services ................................................................................................ 8
2.7
Surescripts Certification Types ...................................................................................................... 8
CERTIFICATION PROCESS ...................................................................... 11
3.1
Certification Testing Process ........................................................................................................ 11
3.2
Certification Approval .................................................................................................................. 12
3.3
Recertification ................................................................................................................................ 15
CERTIFICATION COMPLIANCE ................................................................ 16
CONTACTING THE CERTIFICATION TEAM ............................................. 18
APPENDIX A RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION....................................... 19
COPYRIGHT 2013 BY SURESCRIPTS, LLC.
NOT TO BE COPIED OR DISTRIBUTED
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
| PAGE 3 OF 19
1 Introduction
1.1 Document Purpose
This Certification Guide has been created to provide Certification Participants with an overview of the
testing and certification processes associated with various core services offered by Surescripts.
Surescripts certification is a mandatory requirement for Participants wishing to connect to the Surescripts
network.
Important: Participants are required to execute the most updated version of this document as part of
advanced certification or other programs. Surescripts reserves the right to modify its certification process,
requirements and test cases as needed to ensure that software offerings can send and receive electronic
messages in accordance with the industry standards, safely and accurately. Surescripts shall notify
Participants of any such changes within an adequate timeframe to enable the Participant to comply with
any changes. All notifications shall be sent to the Participants designated point of contact.
1.2 About Surescripts

Surescripts is dedicated to giving healthcare providers secure, electronic access to prescription
information that can save their patients lives, improve efficiency and reduce the cost of healthcare for all.
Surescripts operates the countrys largest electronic prescribing network. Available during emergencies or
routine care, the Surescripts Network is used every day by thousands of prescribers across all 50 states to
electronically access prescription information and route prescriptions. The Surescripts Network connects
these prescribers to all of the nations major chain pharmacies, many of the nations leading payers and
Pharmacy Benefit Managers or PBMs, and over 10,000 independent pharmacies nationwide.
Surescripts is the result of a 2008 merger between the countrys two leading health information networks:
RxHub and SureScripts. RxHub was founded in 2001 by the nations three largest PBMs CVS
Caremark Corporation, Express Scripts, Inc. and Medco Health Solutions, Inc. SureScripts was formed in
2001 by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and the National Community
Pharmacists Association (NCPA).
The Surescripts Network is configured to work with all pharmacy, physician applications and Payer/PBM
systems. The only requirement is that the healthcare providers system adheres to the specifications of
the Surescripts Implementation Guide(s) and supporting documentation, including the Surescripts
Certification Requirements (where applicable). The documentation and Implementation Guides utilize the
NCPDP (National Council for Prescription Drug Programs) SCRIPT for electronic prescriptions,
medication history and formulary messaging and ANSI X12 (270/271) for eligibility messages .
Additionally, Surescripts also publishes other guides based on the XML and HL7 Standards. Surescripts
highly recommends that the Surescripts Implementation Guide(s) be used in conjunction with all the
Standards Development Organization (SDO) Guides for reference. They may be obtained by contacting
them directly:
NCPDP
9240 E. Raintree Drive
| PAGE 4 OF 19
Scottsdale, AZ 85260-7518
Phone: (480) 477-1000
Fax: (480) 767-1042
http://www.ncpdp.org
XML
http://www.w3.org/XML/
ANSI
www.ansi.org
HL7
http://www.hl7.org/
1.3 Terms Used in This Guide

Term
Definition
Surescripts
Operates the countrys largest electronic prescribing network

and is responsible for certifying Participants and their software.
Participant
Companies that execute a contract and seek certification

through Surescripts.
Certification
The Surescripts Certification Process validates that the

Participant software is able to send and receive electronic
messages in accordance with industry standards. Participants
must be certified to connect to the Surescripts Network.
Certification Project Manager
Dedicated Surescripts individual that interfaces with

Participants for certification.
Certification Review Board

(CRB)
Dedicated team of Surescripts individuals who provide final

approval (or denial) for all participant certifications for all
applicable services on the Surescripts.
| PAGE 5 OF 19
2 Surescripts Certification Overview

2.1 About Certification
Participants use the Surescripts Certification Process to get certified to connect to the Surescripts
Network.
To utilize the Surescripts Network, a prescriber, pharmacy and PBM must use software that has
completed the Surescripts Certification Process. This process ensures that the software is able to send and
receive electronic messages in accordance with the industry standards and that it is providing open choice
for medication selection and dispensing location. In addition to promoting industry standards, Surescripts
certification focuses on patient safety, efficiency of the electronic prescribing process and ease of use by
end-users. Surescripts Certification Testing is focused on message format and application workflow
(including display), per the Surescripts Implementation Guide(s) and Surescripts Certification
Requirements.
The Certification Process starts after Surescripts and the Participant have completed the contracting
process, and the Participant has developed and tested its application. Certification concentrates on
message format and workflow. The Participant seeking certification is responsible for modifying/building
the electronic prescribing application in accordance with the Surescripts Implementation Guide(s) (based
on the NCPDP SCRIPT, ANSI ASC X12 standard or HL7 standards) and Certification Requirements 1.
Surescripts provides documentation and testing tools for the Participant and conducts certification to
ensure all the requirements are met.
The Surescripts Certification Process validates that the Participant software is able to send and receive
electronic messages in accordance with industry standards. The Surescripts Certification Process also:
Protects choice of pharmacy, therapy, and software.

Prohibits commercial messaging.
Promotes fair and transparent pricing.
2.2 Certification Team Responsibilities

The Surescripts Certification Team is responsible for the certification of all Participants for all services on
the Surescripts Network. Other activities of the Certification Team include:
Establishing structure and processes around certification activities, including approval process
and recertifications.
Creating and maintaining certification test plans and test cases for all Surescripts services.
Playing a key role in determining certification requirements.
Developing processes, requirements and plans around new Surescripts offerings and industry
initiatives.
Please see appendix A for details
| PAGE 6 OF 19
2.3 Certification Policy

The Surescripts Certification Policy is an integral part of Surescripts certification. This policy, along with
the Certification Requirements, processes, and test cases, is based on the following Surescripts
Foundational and Guiding Principles:
Objectivity as defined by the following Foundational Principles:

o Patient Safety / Quality of the end-to-end Surescripts Network
o Efficiency of the end-to-end Surescripts Network
o Cost effectiveness of the Surescripts Network
Neutrality
Transparency
Auditability
Legality
2.4 Surescripts Certification Requirements

The Certification Requirements are created based on the following:
Surescripts Certification Requirements (Qualitative Requirements and Application

Certification Requirements)
Transaction standards organizations: ANSI ASC X12, HL7, and NCPDP (Implementation
Guides)
Surescripts Connectivity Requirements
The Certification Policy and Surescripts Foundational and Guiding Principles
When creating and updating the requirements, Surescripts receives input from our connected Participant
stakeholders across the industry and reviews all submitted certification requirement requests. We strive to
implement certification requirements that meet the needs of all Participant types, are consistent with our
Foundational and Guiding Principles, and drive e-prescribing process efficiency. We solicit feedback
from our Participants via Surescripts workshops and Participant surveys.
2.5 How Surescripts Certification Helps Participants

Our Certification Process gets Participants successfully connected to the Surescripts Network by:
Being efficient and thorough
Meeting the needs of the entire Surescripts connected community
Aiding our Participants readiness to participate in programs such as HITECH, MMA, Part D,
and MIPPA
Adhering to the Surescripts Foundational and Guiding Principles
Adhering to industry standards
By holding all Participants equally accountable for meeting the Certification Requirements, our
Participants can send and receive the highest quality electronic prescriptions as e-prescribing continues to
progress overall as an industry.
| PAGE 7 OF 19
2.6 Surescripts e-Prescription Services

2.6.1
Core Services
Surescripts' e-prescription services allow physicians to electronically send prescriptions from their
offices to any of 52,000 retail pharmacies and six of the largest mail-order pharmacies. In addition,
Surescripts provides physicians with electronic access to their patients prescription benefit and
prescription history, which helps to improve safety and enables doctors to prescribe medications at the
lowest cost to the patient.
Surescripts certifies software used by prescribers, pharmacies and payers/PBMs for access to three main
services:
Prescription Benefit
Prescription History
Prescription Routing
Prescription Benefit Services
Prescription Benefit - Ambulatory: Allows prescribers to request information on patient

eligibility and formulary at the time of prescribing.
Prescription History Services
Medication History - Ambulatory: With a patient's permission, prescribers can use this
service to securely access aggregated prescription history data from community pharmacies, as
well as patient medication claims history from payers and pharmacy benefit managers.
Prescription Routing Services

Surescripts' Prescription Routing service allows prescribers to prepare and send a prescription directly
to the computer at over 85 percent of the nation's retail pharmacies and six of the nations largest mailorder pharmacies. In turn, pharmacies can use this service to send requests for prescription renewals
directly to the computer at a practice where prescribers can review and respond to them directly.
Surescripts Directories - Surescripts maintains directories of all the prescribers and pharmacies
connected on the Surescripts Network. In order to send and receive prescription routing messages,
Participants make use of Surescripts prescriber and pharmacy directories.
2.7 Surescripts Certification Types

Surescripts offers a variety of certification services for prescriber, pharmacy and payer software systems.
2.7.1
Prescriber Software Certification
| PAGE 8 OF 19
Surescripts Certification adds real value to an e-prescribing or electronic medical record (EMR)
product. E-prescribing is a key component of Meaningful Use as described in the Health Information
Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH). The following core Certification
Services are offered for Prescriber software:
Prescription Benefit and History
Eligibility/Formulary the ability to request and receive eligibility and formulary information
from payers and PBMs.
Prescription History (Ambulatory) the ability to request and receive prescription history
from Payers and PBMs.
New Prescriptions (retail pharmacy) the ability to route new prescriptions to community
pharmacies.
New Prescriptions (mail-order pharmacy) - the ability to route new prescriptions to mailorder pharmacies.
Prescription Renewals (retail pharmacy) the ability to electronically route prescription
renewal requests and responses with community pharmacies.
Prescription Renewals (mail-order pharmacy) the ability to electronically route
prescription renewal requests and responses with mail-order pharmacies.
Directories the ability to register and download provider information
The availability of this information, at the point of care, allows prescribers to determine the most
clinically appropriate and cost effective medication for the patient.
A Surescripts Solution Provider status is granted to Participants with products that have been certified
for all three Surescripts services (Prescription Benefit, Prescription History, Prescription Routing) and
supporting message types.
2.7.2
Pharmacy and Pharmacy Software Certification
Surescripts Certification promotes a safer and more efficient prescribing process that leaves more time
for patient counseling and other revenue-producing opportunities.
Allows pharmacy software to receive new prescriptions, as well as send and receive prescription
renewal requests and authorizations.
New Prescriptions
Prescription Renewals
Directories
Benefits include improved patient safety, less time spent on paperwork and re-keying, and assurance of
cleaner scripts which require fewer callbacks for clarification.
| PAGE 9 OF 19
2.7.3
Payer and PBM Certification
Surescripts Certification allows payers to assist prescribers in making more informed clinical decisions
and prescribing the most cost-effective medication.
Prescription Benefit
Allows payers and PBMs to respond to requests for eligibility and formulary from prescribers using
certified software.
Prescription History
Allows payers and PBMs to respond to requests for medication claims history from prescribers using
certified software.
Allows mail-order pharmacies to process new prescriptions and prescription renewals from prescribers
using certified software.
New Prescriptions
Prescription Renewals
Benefits include tighter formulary compliance, increased generic substitution rates, less therapeutic
duplication, enhanced data collection capabilities, greater control over routing of prescriptions, and direct
delivery of drug utilization review (DUR) messaging to prescribers.
| PAGE 10 OF 19
3 Certification Process
3.1 Certification Testing Process
All Participants need to execute a contract with Surescripts by going through the contracting process with
the Surescripts Legal Department before beginning the Certification Process. The Participant will be
provided an overview of Surescripts e-prescribing services in an education class and receive all
implementation/certification documentation, including certification test scenarios. The participant shall
also receive access to the Surescripts staging (testing) environment and various testing tools. The
Participant can choose to engage with Surescripts Implementation Services to receive assistance in
preparing for certification or select a self-driven implementation path. Information on how to contact
Certification team shall be provided during the education class.
The Surescripts Certification Process begins after the Participant has completed application development,
testing, and QA of its e-prescribing module. The Participant needs to successfully complete the
Surescripts Certification Process before moving into production. The Surescripts Certification Process
includes multiple steps as described below.
3.1.1
Introduction and Scheduling
Detailed information about when and how to contact the Certification Team will be provided to the
Participant at the education class mentioned in Section 3.1. When a Participant is ready for certification
testing, it will be allotted a certification slot. Participants are scheduled for certification on a first come,
first served basis. A Surescripts Certification Project Manager will be assigned at the time of
scheduling. Each Participant shall work with a dedicated Surescripts Certification Project Manager
throughout the Certification Process.
The Surescripts Certification Project Manager shall provide an overview of the Certification Process
and the steps involved in certification testing for the Participant. The Certification Project Manager will
ensure that the Participant has received a copy of Surescripts certification testing scenarios and related
documentation. The Certification Project Manager will also work with the Participant to schedule
testing sessions.
3.1.2
Certification Testing Materials
Certification testing concentrates on message format and application workflow, including display. The
Surescripts Certification Team is primarily responsible for creating certification testing scenarios and
test cases. The test cases are created based on the Surescripts Implementation Guide(s) and Surescripts
Certification Requirements. The certification testing scenarios are shared with Participants in advance.
The Certification Team ensures that the test cases perform correctly by validating each test against
expected results in a controlled environment before finalizing and publishing the test cases.
The Certification Team periodically reviews the test cases and validates them against Surescripts
requirements for quality control and to ensure they produce correct results and are still relevant.
| PAGE 11 OF 19
3.1.3 Certification Testing

Note: Surescripts Certification is only applicable to the specific product and version that is used
during certification testing.
Certification testing is conducted on the final product and version of the Participants application with
the functionality that will be used in production. We urge all participants to be completely prepared for
certification testing before contacting the certification team. The Participant must ensure all eprescribing and related functionality is operational. It is also the responsibility of the participant to
verify connectivity and application performance before beginning certification testing sessions.
All certification testing is conducted via web conference to enable the Certification Project Manager to
view the application workflow and functionality, and also to check the information entered into or
displayed in the UI against the data contained in the generated message(s).
Certification sessions will be scheduled by the Certification Project Manager in coordination with the
participant. Two 2-hour certification sessions per service shall be available to the participant to
complete certification testing. The Certification Project Manager will begin certification testing during
these scheduled sessions for the service that the participant has implemented. During these sessions the
Participant shall execute all the certification test scenarios, as applicable to the service implemented, as
long as there are no application issues which would impede completion. The Participant is responsible
for adhering to all the instructions in the test scenarios document including data entry and display
instructions. The Certification Project Manager will capture screens shots and review the application
workflow (including display), the message structure, as well as message contents, and verify these
against the expected results. A basic review of messages and screenshots will be done at the time of
certification. However, in the interest of time and thoroughness, the Certification Project Manager will
conduct a deeper review after each testing session using the saved screenshots and messages. If any
issues arise at any time during certification testing, detailed information about these issues will be
logged in an issues list and shared with the Participant. The Participant will have two weeks to resolve
the issues. It is the responsibility of the Participant to ensure that these items are corrected and tested
on its side.
An additional 2-hour follow-up testing session may be scheduled in cases where a Participant had
testing issues. The Participant must demonstrate during this final testing session that all the identified
issues have been resolved, no new issues have been introduced, and all tests were completed
successfully. Note: If the timeline to execute all test scenarios or resolve all issues is not met or if
unresolved issues still remain, the Participant shall fail certification.
3.2 Certification Approval

Upon successfully completing all the certification testing, Certification Approval is requested from the
Certification Review Board by the Certification Project Manager.
3.2.1
Certification Requests
The Certification Project Manager presents the certification results to the Certification Review Board in
the form of a report containing the summary of tests conducted and results. The summary of
certification testing and request for certification will be sent via e-mail to all board members at least one
day before the Certification Review Board meeting.
| PAGE 12 OF 19
3.2.2
Certification Decisions by Certification Review Board
The Certification Review Board (CRB) will provide the final approval or denial, subject to appeals
rights (defined in another section) for all Participant certifications for all services on the Surescripts
Network.
The Certification Review Board consists of Surescripts functions that are closely associated to
Participant certifications and are responsible for maintaining the quality (including patient safety),
efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of the Surescripts Network. The Certification Review Board members
include the executives from the following Surescripts functions:
Quality
Certification Policy and Compliance
Implementation
Standards
Certification
Certification Review Board members provide final approval or denial to a Participants certification
based on results of certification testing conducted by the Certification Team.
The Certification Review Board will approve certification, deny certification, or request more
information for all certification requests presented during the meeting. The Certification Team
documents and records all Certification Review Board decisions and permanent records are maintained.
Each Certification Project Manager will communicate the Certification Review Boards decision to the
Participant whose certification results he/she presented to the Board. If certification has been denied,
the reason for denial will be clearly stated and communicated to the Participant.
3.2.3
Appeals to Certification Review Boards decisions
All participants are required to abide by the Certification Review Boards (CRBs) decision. However,
we understand that in certain situations participants may desire to challenge the CRBs decision, and we
want to ensure that we provide the opportunity to do so. Therefore, should a participant wish to appeal
any CRB decision as it pertains to its certification, they are encouraged to do so pursuant to the
following guidelines:
After being notified by the Certification Project Manager indicating that its certification was denied, if a
participant wishes to challenge that decision they must submit a brief/documentation within 14 days
explaining why they believe their application should have been granted certification. Once this
documentation is received from the participant, the CRB shall review this document in the next
scheduled CRB meeting so long as the materials are received at least 4 days prior to that meeting. If the
CRB can make a decision based on the information provided, it will do so and communicate the
decision back to the participant. If the CRB determines that more information is required, the CRB will
set up a meeting with the participant as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than 30 days. At this
meeting, that participant can provide a demonstration of the application or explain why they believe the
application meets the certification requirements directly to the CRB so that a discussion of relevant
factors and concerns can take place in real-time instead of through email, and each side has the chance
to present its reasoning to the other. The CRB shall take this information and make its decision by the
next CRB meeting and communicate it to the participant.
Note: previously identified items remaining after follow up call are not eligible for appeal.
| PAGE 13 OF 19
3.2.4
PBM Joint Demo
Participants certifying for Surescripts Benefit and History Services need to complete an additional step
before receiving their final certification notice. After receiving Certification Approval by the
Certification Review Board, the Participant will need to demonstrate their application (Medication
History, Eligibility and Formulary functionality) to the representatives of some of the Pharmacy Benefit
Managers (PBMs).
3.2.5
Final Certification E-mail and Certificate
After the Participant certification has been approved by the Certification Review Board and the PBM
joint demo has been completed (where applicable), the Certification Project Manager will send out the
final certification notice and the certificate. The certification notice and the certificate will list the
Certification Participants company name, application name and version number. The certification
notice and the certificate will be delivered to the Participant via e-mail.
3.2.6
Representation on Surescripts Website
After the final certification notice, the Participant will be listed on the Surescripts website as being
certified. The website will list Participants for all the services they have certified for. Use of the
Surescripts name and branded marks must follow use guidelines as outlined in the Surescripts Style
Guide, which is an integral part of the Participants contracting agreement with Surescripts.
3.2.7
Production Move
For Surescripts Network certifications, after the final certification e-mail, the Implementation Project
Manager will contact the certified Participant to initiate their move into the Surescripts production
environment. Note: This does not apply to Meaningful Use certifications.
The Participant is required to deploy their application as certified.
3.2.8
Certification Process Flow Diagram
| PAGE 14 OF 19
3.3 Recertification
Surescripts grants certification specific to one application, one version, and one connection.
A recertification is required for changes affecting the e-prescribing interface including the connectivity
prior to moving it into production.
Participants must provide as much advance notice as possible (at least 4 weeks) to Surescripts of
application or infrastructure changes including, but not limited to, version releases. Once certified, please
work with your Account Manager for re-certification information and requests.
| PAGE 15 OF 19
4 Certification Compliance
The Certification Policy and Compliance Team works to validate that all connected Participants
implement and certify against a standard set of requirements. Once certified, the team monitors the
Participants to make sure all Participants remain in compliance with the standard set of requirements.
Should a participant be found non-compliant to any certification requirement(s) in production
Surescripts Compliance team may start a compliance review process and compliance plan. Failure to
meet with the compliance plan could result in the participants deactivation from the Surescripts network
and/or retraction of certified status. Surescripts goal is efficiency and consistency across the Network,
so all Participants can meet the highest measures of patient safety, end-to-end reliability, and electronic
prescription quality.
By adhering to the approved Surescripts Certification Requirements, Participants are assured they are in
compliance with transaction standards, Surescripts Network Requirements, and Surescripts Connectivity
Requirements. Adherence also enables Participants to send quality electronic prescriptions across the
Network.
| PAGE 16 OF 19
5 The Surescripts Quality Program

E-prescribing saves lives, improves efficiency and reduces the cost of healthcare for all. Surescripts'
industry-wide quality program ensures that these benefits are fully realized. The program is made possible
by a nationwide network that enables Surescripts to measure prescription safety, accuracy and
completeness in a way that is simply not possible with other forms of prescribing. This uniquely enables
Surescripts to collaborate with EHR vendors, pharmacies and PBMs on continuous improvements to the
e-prescribing process - from the time a prescription is first considered by the prescriber to the time the
medication is dispensed, and at all points in between. The quality program works on all aspects of eprescribing improvement. Surescripts has identified some key areas that are specifically targeted to
improve the quality of e-prescriptions and eliminate:
Confusing or non-specific quantity qualifiers
Conflicting information between the notes field and directions field
Conflicting written date from transmission date
Poorly-formatted drug description
Conflicting information within the Days Supply and Quantity fields
Surescripts has published literature to help network participants and their end users improve the quality of
e-prescriptions they generate.
Surescripts has also created the White Coat of Quality program to ensure that physicians who had adopted
e-prescribing had done so in such a way that it yields increased care quality and patient safety. The
Surescripts White Coat of Quality recognizes those e-prescribing technology providers who demonstrate a
commitment to the highest level of clinical quality. White Coat recipients are improving the e-prescribing
process to ensure safe and effective medication therapy. In 2012, a total of 72 vendors received the
Surescripts White Coat of Quality award.
| PAGE 17 OF 19
6 Contacting the Certification Team

The processes described in this document outline the step-by-step method for Participants to achieve
certification and certification retention. If Participants have any questions on the Surescripts Certification
Process, they should contact their Certification Project Manager or send an e-mail to
certification@surescripts.com.
| PAGE 18 OF 19
7 Appendix A Relevant Documentation

Document
Implementation Guides
Directories Guide
Certification Requirements
Certification Test Scenarios
Certification Guide
Admin Console User Guide
Certification and Testing Suite

User Guide
Issues List
Description
The Implementation Guides are the
primary reference from which Network
Participants build e-prescription messages.
Guide distribution is dependent upon a
Participants particular implementation.
Reference guide from which Participants
build directories messages to add, update
and download prescriber and pharmacy
data. Certification requires compliance to
these guides.
These identify application level workflow
or items that are mandatory for transaction
on the Surescripts network. Certification
requires compliance to these requirements.
Test cases used by the Certification Team
for final certification testing of the
Participants application. Certification
requires compliance to these documents.
This document.
Guide which provides an overview of the
Admin Console which Participants and
Surescripts utilize to track messages.
Certification requires compliance to these
documents.
User guide for the testing tools available
via the Admin Console.
This template is used to capture issues
during the Certification testing phase and
may be presented to the Certification
Review Board (if warranted).
| PAGE 19 OF 19

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Participant Certification Guide

ePrescribing Core Services

PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATION GUIDE

About Surescripts ............................................................................................................................ 4

Terms Used in This Guide .............................................................................................................. 5

SURESCRIPTS CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW ............................................ 6

About Certification .......................................................................................................................... 6

Certification Team Responsibilities ............................................................................................... 6

Certification Policy .......................................................................................................................... 7

Certification Requirements ............................................................................................................ 7

How Surescripts Certification Helps Participants ........................................................................ 7

Surescripts e-Prescription Services ................................................................................................ 8

Surescripts Certification Types ...................................................................................................... 8

CERTIFICATION PROCESS ...................................................................... 11

Certification Testing Process ........................................................................................................ 11

Certification Approval .................................................................................................................. 12

CERTIFICATION COMPLIANCE ................................................................ 16

CONTACTING THE CERTIFICATION TEAM ............................................. 18

APPENDIX A RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION....................................... 19

PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATION GUIDE

COPYRIGHT 2013 BY SURESCRIPTS, LLC.

NOT TO BE COPIED OR DISTRIBUTED

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

1.2 About Surescripts

PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATION GUIDE

COPYRIGHT 2013 BY SURESCRIPTS, LLC.

NOT TO BE COPIED OR DISTRIBUTED

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

1.3 Terms Used in This Guide

Operates the countrys largest electronic prescribing network

Companies that execute a contract and seek certification

The Surescripts Certification Process validates that the

Certification Project Manager

Dedicated Surescripts individual that interfaces with

Certification Review Board

Dedicated team of Surescripts individuals who provide final

PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATION GUIDE

COPYRIGHT 2013 BY SURESCRIPTS, LLC.

NOT TO BE COPIED OR DISTRIBUTED

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

2 Surescripts Certification Overview

Protects choice of pharmacy, therapy, and software.

2.2 Certification Team Responsibilities

Please see appendix A for details

PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATION GUIDE

COPYRIGHT 2013 BY SURESCRIPTS, LLC.

NOT TO BE COPIED OR DISTRIBUTED

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

2.3 Certification Policy

Objectivity as defined by the following Foundational Principles:

2.4 Surescripts Certification Requirements

Surescripts Certification Requirements (Qualitative Requirements and Application

2.5 How Surescripts Certification Helps Participants

PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATION GUIDE

COPYRIGHT 2013 BY SURESCRIPTS, LLC.

NOT TO BE COPIED OR DISTRIBUTED

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

2.6 Surescripts e-Prescription Services

Prescription Benefit Services

Prescription Benefit - Ambulatory: Allows prescribers to request information on patient