What must handwritten prescriptions be written on?

Handwritten prescriptions must be written on a tamper-resistant pad to ensure their validity and security. Tamper-resistant pads contain specific features designed to prevent unauthorized alterations or duplications of the prescription, which helps reduce prescription fraud. According to federal and state regulations, particularly for controlled substances, using tamper-resistant prescriptions is a requirement to protect both the patient and the health care provider.

This requirement extends beyond just being a best practice; it is mandated by law to maintain a standard that encourages safe and effective medication practices. The characteristics of tamper-resistant prescriptions may include watermarks, unique serial numbers, or other security features that are difficult to replicate or tamper with. By utilizing tamper-resistant pads, pharmacies and healthcare providers can help ensure that the prescriptions they receive are authentic and have not been unlawfully modified. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the prescription process.