Which method is NOT included in the tamper-proof methods defined by CMS?

The correct answer highlights a method that is not recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a tamper-proof method for prescriptions. While tamper-proof methods are crucial for preventing prescription fraud and ensuring the authenticity of medications, the use of standard red ink does not qualify among the established techniques.

Micro-printing, watermarks on colored backgrounds, and void pantographs are all specific measures that are intended to thwart unauthorized alterations and duplicity. Micro-printing allows for text that is only visible under magnification, making it difficult to reproduce and alter. Watermarks are embedded security features that can deter copying; they are difficult for counterfeiters to replicate accurately. A void pantograph, which reveals the word "copy" when a prescription is photocopied, acts as a clear indicator that a document has been reproduced, thus alerting pharmacies to potential fraud.

In contrast, using a standard red ink does not provide the same level of security. Although it may be visually distinctive, it does not incorporate the layered protective features that the other methods include, making it less effective at preventing tampering. Therefore, the inclusion of this method does not align with CMS’s definition of tamper-proof practices.