Dispenser Requirements: In order to meet the requirements of the new rules, dispensers need to take the following steps:

1. Log on to the WA PMP website (www.wapmp.org) and read the Dispenser’s Implementation Guide by selecting the WA PMP Data Uploader link from the menu on the left.

2. Create an account for submitting data to the program (available September 14, 2011).

3. Begin working as soon as possible with your pharmacy software vendor to make necessary updates and begin testing with our PMP vendor in order to begin submitting data on October 7, 2011. You may begin sending files to test data submission on September 14, 2011.

Technical or Policy Related Questions: Health Information Designs, Inc. (HID) hosts the WA PMP. It is a nationally-recognized leader in the PMP and healthcare automation solutions and services industry.

If you need any technical assistance as you prepare to begin data submission, please call HID’s WA PMP Helpdesk at (877) 719-3121, or send an e-mail to wapmp-info@hidinc.com. If you have policy related questions please contact Chris Baumgartner, PMP Director at 360.236.4806, or at prescriptionmonitoring@doh.wa.gov, or at:

WA Department of Health
PO Box 47852
Olympia, WA 98504-7852
Fax: 360.236.2901
Web: http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/PMP/default.htm

STATE OF WASHINGTON

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Olympia, Washington 98504

DATE:           September 23, 2009

TO:             All health care practitioners with prescriptive and dispensing authority

FROM:   Susan Teil Boyer, Executive Director, Washington State Board of Pharmacy

SUBJECT:        Tamper-Resistant Prescription Pads or Paper

A new law will go into effect July 1, 2010 that requires the use of tamper-resistant pads or paper for prescriptions.

Earlier this year, Governor Gregoire signed House Bill 2014 to help improve patient safety. This law amends the pharmacy practice act, chapter 18.64 RCW. It requires all prescriptions written in Washington to be on tamper-resistant pads or paper. This requirement will reduce forged and altered prescriptions, and deter drug abuse. Physicians and pharmacists supported the bill.

Who Must Comply?
All physicians and other practitioners who have prescriptive and dispensing authority must comply with this law.

How Must They Comply?
Beginning July 1, 2010, all prescriptions must be written on tamper resistant paper approved by the Board of Pharmacy.

Pharmacists may not dispense a written prescription unless it is written on an approved prescription paper. A pharmacist may provide emergency medications in compliance with federal and state laws and rules, and any applicable health care plan restrictions and procedures.

Approved paper will have a seal of approval issued by the Washington State Board of Pharmacy. These pads or paper will have one or more industry-recognized features to prevent: 

• Unauthorized copying of a completed or blank prescription form;
• The erasure or modification of information written on the prescription form by the practitioner; and
• The use of counterfeit prescription forms.

Are There Exceptions?
Yes, tamper-resistant prescription pads or paper is not required when: 

• Prescriptions are transmitted to the pharmacy electronically, by telephone, or by facsimile. 

Note: If a hard copy of an electronic prescription is printed and given directly to the patient or patient’s designee, the manually-signed hard copy prescription must be on approved tamper-resistant paper. 

• Prescriptions are written for patients in hospitals, residential nursing homes, inpatient or residents of a metal health facilities, and correctional facilities. In these cases, the order or prescription must be given directly to the pharmacy and the patient or patient’s designee cannot have the opportunity to handle the written order or prescription.

The board is developing a review/approval process for vendors of tamper-resistant prescription pads or paper. In mid-December 2009, a list of vendors who supply board-approved tamper-resistant paper or pad will be made available on the Board of Pharmacy’s website at: http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/Pharmacy/default.htm. For questions, please contact Doreen Beebe, Board of Pharmacy Program Manager, at 360.236.4834 or by email at wsbop@doh.wa.gov.