The Pharmacist's Information Resource www.RxSecurityFeatures.com
Dedicated to the Prevention of Unauthorized Script Duplication and Modification

The Pharmacist's Information Resource
for validating Prescription Paper Security Features

Tamper Resistant
Rx Security Feature Directory
  • It's A Fact !
    Facts and Limitations relative to
    Document Security Paper Features

  • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • Letter of Interpretation from NCPDP
    (National Council for Prescription Drug Programs )
  • Response to NCPDP letter by Micro Format, Inc.

  • Medicaid Law AND UPDATE information from CMS
    		•
    There is much more to Tamper Resistant Scripts and Document Security Paper than just
    Hidden Message Technology.

    Click to Read
    This web site was prepared by the
    Document Security Compliance Department at Micro Format, Inc.
    CLAIRIFICATION PROVIDED BY CMS
    (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)

    Several States have had questions about whether a provider can add a feature to a prescription to make it compliant with requirements. States have proposed various features including particular kinds of ink to write the prescription (gel or indelible), writing out the drug quantities rather than just the number (i.e. "thirty" vs "30") and embossed logos.

    The statute states that all written prescriptions must be "executed on a tamper resistant pad" (paper). Thus security features added to the prescription after they are printed (written), do not cause the prescription to meet the CMS requirements. Features that make the prescription tamper-resistant include certain features in the paper as well as security features that are pre-printed on the paper.

    The Pharmacist's Information Resource
    Tamper Resistant
    Rx Pads

    Verify Security Features
    Tamper Resistant
    Laser Rx Paper
    Laser Prescription Rx503

    Verify Security Features
    Tamper Resistant
    Thermal Rx Paper Rolls

    Verify Security Features
    "Layer on Layer"TM Tamper Resistant Prescription Paper Features
    The reason for "layers" of security is to insure that if one or more features do not appear to work properly,
    there are additional features to help validate the script.
    Multi Level Tamper Resistant Rx Paper prevents
    Script Duplication, Script Alteration, Script Forgery and Counterfeiting

    If in doubt ... CALL THE PRESCRIBING DOCTOR !

    Tamper Resistant Rx Security Features:
    PHARMACIST:
    If a "Hidden Message" fails to appear, it does not mean a document is counterfeit.
    It means the recipient should check for additional features.

    Question ~ I made a copy on my photocopier and the hidden message did not appear. Is this the indication of a counterfeit script?
    Most likely NO.
    Please Read EXPANDED ANSWER

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    • SECURITY WARNING BANDS and BOXES


    PHARMACIST:
    Read the Security Feature Warning Box to identify the security features
    included on the script in question. Various manufacturers may use a
    different mix of security features.
    There are many different ways to     protect a document.
      The Security Information Box acts as a deterrent to those considering making unauthorized copies.
      • SECURITY BANDTM
        A Warning Band on the front of the script describes Rx security features.
      • SECURITY BOXTM
        A Warning Box on the back of the script contains a list of Rx security features.

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    • ANTI-COPY ARTIFICIAL WATERMARKTM


    PHARMACIST:
    To verify a prescription is an original, turn over the script and tip it toward a light source.
    If the watermark is difficult to view, adjust the angle at which you are holding the script to the light.


    Yellow Highlight Marker Trick

    When rubbing the back of a script with a yellow marker, you may OR may not cause an artificial watermark to appear. It all depends upon the ink used to print the artificial watermark.

    In 2005, all paper was replaced by 92 or higher brightness paper. This brighter paper has made it more difficult to view the artificial watermark.

    For this reason, many security paper manufacturers have added a slight amount of color to the artificial watermark. This produces an artificial watermark that meets all security requirements since it is impossible to duplicate. It is easy to identify and can also be seen at a 45° angle.

    While using a yellow highlight marker may work, it is not a valid test nor recommended for use to validate an artificial watermark.

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    PHARMACIST:
    Rub a coin over the circle on the back of the script to activate this feature.

    Coin Reactive security

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    PHARMACIST:
    When accepting a laser printed prescription, inspect the paper surface for damage under critical information. The act of lifting toner from a laser printed script will remove fibers and damage the paper surface.

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    PHARMACIST:
    Inspect the paper under critical information. The act of trying to remove ink using an ink eraser will cause the background color to be removed along with the ink.
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    • BATCH NUMBER IDENTIFICATIONTM


      UNIQUE PRODUCTION BATCH NUMBERS
      A Unique Product Identification Number provides positive document identification information.
    PHARMACIST:
    A unique BATCH NUMBER may appear on each production run.
    Batch Numbers may be printed in the margin or in various locations on a document.


    Unique batch number codes may make it is possible to determine the date and location at which a specific production run was manufactured.
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    • UV SECURETM
      Ultra Violet Light Security


      Words Printed in Secure "UV Ink" on back of sheet are only visible when viewed under "black Light".

    PHARMACIST:
    To verify an original script using this feature, hold the reverse side of the script under a black light. The hidden security words will appear. .

    ===
    Under Normal Light ====Under Black Light
    Words "SECURE SECURE SECURE" appear when viewed under black light.
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    • SECURE RUB (tm) Color Change Ink Feature


      Red "Rx" disappears briefly when rubbed.

      This feature may be manufactured using either
      Red OR Blue Color Change Ink.

    PHARMACIST:
    Rub on RED Rx or RED SECURITY BAR.
    Color will change briefly when rubbed.
    Please note, during hot weather, the heat may have caused the color to change.
    In hot weather, to verify this feature, place script in the refrigerator for 30 seconds.
    This will cause the color to return to it's original state.

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    • Micro Line Printing in signature line


      A SECURITY SIGNATURE LINE or Border is created using a very small font that requires magnification to become legible.

    PHARMACIST:
    View the Micro Security Line under a magnifying glass.
    Under magnification you can read the words SECURE PRESCRIPTION all run together
    "SECUREPRESCRIPTION"

    Micro Security Line

    Magnified Micro Security Line

    Note: Because of improved high resolution copier technology, it is possible for a "Micro Line" to be accurately duplicated without the words "filling in."

    As with all security features, the fact that a feature fails to work as indicated does not mean a document is counterfeit.
    It means the recipient should check for additional features.

  • Do Multi-Part Scripts meet Medicaid Requirements?

    When considering the Medicaid guide lines
    A MULTI-PART PRESCRIPTION DOES NOT MEET ANY OF THE THREE Medicaid Requirements

    The value of a multi part script lies in the fact that the signature can be verified. Should there be a question, the original signature can be compared to the signature on the carbonless copy.

    BUT the statue states that all written prescriptions must be "executed on a tamper resistant pad" (paper). As a result, features added to the prescription after they are printed (written) do not meet the requirement of the statute. "

    In this case, the "signature" and the "act of comparing the copy to the original" is the feature that provides the security. Since the "signature" is being added to the script at the time the prescription is being executed, a multi-part pad in itself does not meet the Medicaid Requirements.

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    This web site was prepared by the Document Security Compliance Department at Micro Format, Inc.
    Copyright © 2007-2010 Micro Format, Inc.
    All Rights Reserved
    Micro Format, Inc. ~ 830-3 Seton Court ~ Wheeling, IL 60090
    847/520-4699 ~ In the USA call Toll Free 800-333-0549 ~ FAX 847/520-0197
    E-Mail: Support@RxSecurityFeatures.com