German Pharmacists Left Paying for Flawed Electronic Health Cards
Pharmacists in Germany are facing uncertainty over who should pay for the replacement of electronic health professional cards (eHBA). These cards, essential for digitally signing e-prescriptions and accessing the telematics infrastructure (TI), have been subject to multiple replacement campaigns due to a security flaw. With costs reaching up to €500 per exchange, a dispute has emerged over whether employers or employees must cover the expense.
The eHBA acts as the key to the TI system, allowing pharmacists to process e-prescriptions and perform other critical tasks. Without it, pharmacies cannot operate normally. However, no clear regulation exists on who bears the financial responsibility for replacing or renewing these cards.
Adexa, the pharmacy workers' union, insists that the eHBA is a professional tool, not a personal item. They argue that pharmacy owners should fund replacements, as the TI flat-rate fee—managed by the German Pharmacists' Association (DAV)—already covers such costs. This fee, collected through the emergency and night service fund, is meant to handle all TI-related expenses, including eHBA provision. The lack of a legally binding ruling has left pharmacists at risk of unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. Adexa also points out that employers are legally obligated to provide necessary work equipment, reinforcing their stance. Meanwhile, the exchange deadline for affected cards with RSA encryption has been extended to June 30, 2026, following reports of delivery delays. No official figures have been released on how many eHBAs have been impacted since the security issue was announced. This leaves the full scale of the problem unclear, though the financial burden remains a pressing concern for those affected.
The ongoing dispute highlights the need for a definitive decision from authorities on eHBA funding. Until then, pharmacists may continue to face unexpected costs, while pharmacies rely on these cards for daily operations. The extended replacement deadline provides temporary relief, but the financial responsibility question remains unresolved.
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