Washington prescribers to switch to tamper-proof prescription pads

Beginning July 1, doctors and other prescribers in Washington state must write their prescriptions on tamper-proof pads with a state Board of Pharmacy approval seal to prevent copying, altering, and other forms of counterfeiting.

“Patient safety is our top priority,” said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. “It’s important that prescription medications go to the right patient, and that patients get the correct medication. These new requirements will make prescriptions more secure and harder to alter.”

The security features in the new prescription pads and paper are identical to those required under the federal Medicaid program, the Department of Health said. The only change is prescription paper in Washington must include the state Board of Pharmacy seal.

More than 53,000 health professionals in 13 different professions are licensed to write prescriptions in the state. This includes advanced registered nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, physicians, physician assistants, certified physician assistants, osteopathic physicians and assistants, dentists, veterinarians, naturopathic physicians, optometrists, podiatric physicians, and pharmacists.

To learn more:

• Visit the Department of Health’s Tamper-proof prescription pad information page.

Tags: Pharmacy

Category: Drugs & Medicines