Effective July 1, 2013, all paper prescriptions in Massachusetts must be
written on pads that contain at least one industry-recognized
feature to prevent copying, erasing, or counterfeiting.
The characteristics of these pads must be consistent with Medicaid's requirements for tamper-proof prescription pads:
Tamper-Resistant CharacteristicsCMS
Characteristics | MassHealth Suggested
Features | Prevent unauthorized copying of a
completed or blank prescription form | Use of a latent, repetitive,
printed word "VOID" that will appear across the front of the
prescription if it is scanned or photocopied. This feature must be
patterned in such a way as not to obscure prescribing
information | Prevent erasure or modification of
information written on the prescription by the prescriber | Erasure protection, such that the
prescription has a background that resists alteration and erasure
(e.g., special security paper) | Prevent the use of counterfeit
prescription forms | A heat-sensitive feature
that will either change color or disappear and then reappear when
rubbed (e.g., sensing imprint or thermochromic ink) |
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In addition, MassHealth recommends including a warning band that
describes the security features on the prescription to make it
easier for pharmacists to notice that your prescription is tamper
resistant. Prescriptions must also continue to meet all other
requirements of federal and state laws and regulations.
Source: MassHealth
Complying with the Regulation
- Locate a vendor. Your current vendor may be able to
provide secure pads for you.
- In the event a compliant prescription must be written and the
new pads are not available, fax or phone the script in.
- A proactive approach might include exploring e-prescribing,
which can often be provided free and is one of the exceptions
provided.
Computer-Generated Prescriptions
MassHealth has received requests for additional guidance on
computer-generated prescriptions using sequentially numbered blanks
and barcodes to meet the tamper-resistant requirements. After a
recent discussion with CMS, MassHealth has approved the following
features to satisfy the tamper-resistant prescription requirement.
Feature | Description | Quantity border and fill (for
computer-generated prescriptions on paper only) | Quantities are surrounded by
special characters, such as an asterisk, to prevent alteration,
e.g. QTY **50**. Values may also be expressed as text, e.g.,
(FIFTY). | Refill border and fill (for
computer-generated prescriptions on paper only) | Refill quantities are surrounded
by special characters, such as an asterisk, to prevent alteration,
e.g. QTY **5**. Values may also be expressed as text, e.g.,
(FIVE). | Quantity check-off boxes | In addition to the written
quantity on the prescription, quantities are indicated in ranges.
It is recommended that ranges be in increments of 25, with the
highest range being "151 and over." The box corresponding to the
quantity prescribed MUST be checked for the prescription to be
valid. |
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Source: MassHealth
Exceptions
- Electronically delivered prescriptions, including faxed,
e-prescribed and telephone scripts.
- Prescriptions provided in institutional or clinical settings
where the prescription is reimbursed as part of a bundled payment
rate
Some Vendors to Consider
