Which of the following is a key aspect of electronic prescribing?

The key aspect of electronic prescribing that stands out is authentication and integrity. This is vital because electronic prescriptions must ensure that the prescription is genuinely coming from a licensed healthcare professional and has not been altered during transmission. Authentication safeguards the integrity of prescription data, which is essential to maintain trust in the prescribing process and to ensure patient safety. It helps prevent fraudulent prescriptions and ensures that the correct medication is dispensed to the right patient.

In the context of electronic prescribing, affordability of prescriptions, validity of an insurance claim, and availability of over-the-counter medications are important considerations in the broader healthcare landscape, but they do not encompass the fundamental principles that govern the accuracy and security of electronic prescribing systems. Authentication and integrity directly address the core functions required to validate the legitimacy of prescriptions while protecting the patient's health information, making it the key aspect among those listed.