Tamper resistant prescription pads required for Medicaid

A federal mandate requires all non-electronic Medicaid prescriptions for covered outpatient drugs to be written on tamper-resistant prescription pads (TRPP) as of April 1, 2008.  This is the same requirement that was postponed from its original October 1, 2007 implementation date.

 The new requirement does not apply to prescriptions that are faxed, phoned in or transmitted to the pharmacy via e-prescription. Exceptions are also provided for drugs prescribed in nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the mentally disabled and a few other institutional and clinical settings.  However, the statute does apply to ambulatory surgical centers.

 To help you meet this new requirement, UMA has contracted with Rx Security, a company that prints compliant prescription pads that meet and exceed all state and federal requirements. UMA has negotiated a 15 percent member discount on these compliant pads and they can be ordered through the website at http://www.rxsecurity.com/utah/form1.html or by calling 1-800-667-9723. Non-members can also order pads through the website, but they will not receive the exclusive discounted rate.

 The UMA has chosen Rx Security for their competitive pricing which includes shipping, setup fees and other associated costs, and their experience working with other state medical associations.

 If you prefer to use a local Utah vendor, four (that we have heard about) which print tamper-resistant pads include Advantage Business Systems (800-852-5565), IC Group (800-733-4277, ext. 175), Prestige Business Systems (800-794-6419) and University of Utah Printing Services (801-581-6171, ask for Cory).

 A few additional sources (out of state) include Standard Register, ScriptShield and NationalRx.  A search on the web for “tamper-resistant prescription pads” will reveal many other companies dedicated to printing these pads.

UMA suggests that you place your orders immediately so the printer can complete them as soon as possible. If you are not able to obtain your order by the April 1st deadline, you can phone, fax or use e-prescribing for your Medicaid prescriptions until you receive the pads.