Reminder - Medicaid "Tamper Proof" Prescription Law Now Effective

Medicaid Information for Pharmacists: March 5, 2008 Reminder: Medicaid “Tamper Proof” Prescription Requirement Becomes Effective on April 1… Beginning April 1, 2008, all written prescriptions for Medicaid recipients must be on paper with at least one tamper-resistant feature as outlined by CMS and defined by your State: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DeficitReductionAct/30_GovtInfo.asp Beginning October 1, 2008 these same prescriptions must be on paper that meets all three baseline characteristics of tamper-resistant pads. CMS has outlined the three baseline characteristics as those that: (1) prevent unauthorized copying of a completed or blank prescription form; (2) prevent the erasure or modification of information written on the prescription by the prescriber; or (3) prevent the use of counterfeit prescription forms. States are responsible for defining specific features that meet the baseline characteristics in order for a prescription to be considered tamper-resistant in that State. Therefore, we recommend reviewing your State’s website for guidance on acceptable tamper-resistant features. Please note that electronic prescriptions, faxed prescriptions and prescriptions sent over the telephone are exempt from this requirement. Failure to comply could result in a withholding of Medicaid reimbursement.

This information was provided by:

Chris Worrall Special Assistant Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of the Administrator 200 Independence Ave. SW Washington, D.C. 20201 Chris.Worrall@cms.hhs.gov