Tamper-Proof Drug Pad Mandatory for Medicaid Prescriptions

As of October 1, 2007 all prescriptions for Medicaid patients will need to be written on tamper-proof pads in order to be reimbursed by the federal government. The new rule is part of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007.

The rule applies to all written prescriptions, including over-the-counter drugs, if they are to be reimbursed by Medicaid. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has agreed to phase in the requirement and beginning October 1, 2007, Medicaid prescriptions must be written on a pad that has at least one industry-recognized features designed to prevent the following:

• Copying

• Modification of the doctor’s prescription

• Counterfeiting

Each state will define features it will require in order to meet with the above characteristics, so please check with your state Medicaid organization.

Beginning October 1, 2008 prescription pads will need to have all three features.

The new requirement does not apply in all circumstances, such as:

1. The prescription is communicated by the prescriber to the pharmacy electronically, verbally or by fax.

2. A managed care entity pays for the prescription.

3. Drugs are provided in certain institutional and clinical facilities.

For more details on this new requirement, please click here, CMS’ letter to State Medicaid Directors, or the informational page. (PDF Downloads)