In addition, the current system of prescribing controlled substance medication is an anomaly. The DEA’s logic is shaped to support the pen and prescription pad, and does not allow e-prescribing of controlled substances. Compounding the lack of DEA regulations on e-prescribing, about 30 percent of pharmacies are not able to receive electronic drug orders, so physicians still need to retain a paper-based prescription system as a backup. Having to maintain two systems would not get much efficiency or savings, according to the AMA’s American Medical News.The e-prescribing movement.