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 )

  • Medicaid Law AND UPDATE information from CMS

  • There is much more to
    Tamper Resistant Scripts
    and Document Security Paper
    than just Hidden Message Technology.

    		•  Effective July 1, 2010, all prescriptions written in Washington State must be on tamper resistant prescription paper (TRPP).

    Micro Format Secure GuardTM Tamper Resistant Rx Paper Products meet and exceed all Washington State and Medicaid Requirements.

    Micro Format is a Washington State approved manufacturer for tamper resistant Rx Paper products.

    Frequently Asked Questions
    for Washington Pharmacists

    Secure GuardTM Washington Rx Paper
    Security Features (pdf file)
    Washington RCW 18.64.500 applies only to written medication prescriptions written in Washington State. Prescriptions written in another state are not required to be on Washington State Board of Pharmacy approved tamper resistant prescription paper or pads with the seal.
    Secure GuardTM Washington Rx Paper ~ Tamper Resistant Security Features Include:
    • Gray Security Background
      The word "COPY" appears when script is photocopied
    • Erasure Protection
      White Mark appears when erased with ink eraser
    • Small Production Coded Batch Number in margins on back of sheet
    • Security Watermark on back of sheet
      Hold on 45 degree angle to light to view
      When duplicated - Artificial Watermark is not visible on copy
    • Coin activated Security on back of script
      Rub with coin to validate script
    • Security Feature Warning Box on back of sheet
      Security Features listed in warning box on reverse side of script
    • Reverse Rx
      Rx Symbol drops out when photocopied
      Reverse Rx
    • Secure Rub Color Change Ink
      Green Washington State Seal AND Green Rx letters along edge of sheet change to Yellow briefly when rubbed.

    • UV Security Watermark
      Invisible Images are visible when viewed under black light

    The Pharmacist's Security Feature 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 coin activated 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.

  • Does the fact that a script has carbonless copies
    meet any of the Medicaid Security Feature Requirements?

    When considering the Medicaid guide lines
    just because a script has carbon or carbonless copies DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE SCRIPT MEETS MEDICAID REQUIREMENTS.

    A Multi-Part Script in itself, does not meet any of the 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). Thus, 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