A bill passed by Congress last year requires that all prescriptions for Medicaid recipients be written on “tamper-resistant” prescription drug pads, including non-narcotic prescriptions. The requirement takes effect on April 1, 2008.
Prior to the first deadline in October 2007, CMS issued guidance to state Medicaid directors about this new requirement and how it might be implemented. According to CMS, prescriptions written for Medicaid recipients must be on pads that meet one of the following standards, and by October 1, 2008 they must meet all three:
- Features to prevent unauthorized copying
- Features to prevent erasure or modification of the prescription
- Features to prevent use of counterfeit prescription forms
There are also exemptions to the “tamper-resistant” drug pad requirement:
- Prescriptions provided in nursing facilities and certain other settings are exempt
- Refills of written prescriptions presented at a pharmacy before April 1 are exempt
- Electronic, faxed and telephoned prescriptions are exempt. Please note, however, that Drug Enforcement Administration regulations regarding controlled substances may require a written prescription.
- Prescriptions paid for by managed care entities are exempt.
Note: State laws requiring tamper-resistant drug pads for narcotics still apply.
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