July 1st was supposed to be a bright new day for the war on Florida’s prescription drug epidemic.  The problem was that many doctors didn’t know the day was any different. Florida legislators passed a law that would make the duplication and counterfeiting of control substance prescriptions extremely difficult. 

The new law listed in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes Section 456.42(2) requires doctors to use regulated prescription pads from state approved vendors. Each pad follows strict guidelines that inhibit criminals from altering, copying or even creating their own prescriptions. In addition to the obvious enhanced security features the pads have unique control numbers that indicate the manufacturer, the date they were made and customized batch sequence numbers.

Printing companies have to provide monthly reports on the amount of pads they manufactured, who purchased them and provide inventory information of the specialty paper. They also have to verify the doctor’s credentials, license numbers and facility information to make sure the pads are going to legitimate healthcare providers.

The law puts pharmacies on the front line of enforcement. They now have to inspect the pads and cross check the control numbers before filling the prescription.  If the prescription does not pass the test, it does not get filled and the script can be confiscated and held for authorities. 

Pharmacists can fill a controlled substance prescription on a noncompliant pad only if it was written prior to the deadline date. If pharmacists have any question of the authenticity of the prescription, they can always contact the prescribing doctor or Department of Health.

Pharmacists did such a good job enforcing the law that legitimate patients in need of medication had to be turned away.  Frustrated doctors complained that they needed more time to find approved vendors and replace their old pads.  The Department of Health was forced to extend the enforcement deadline.

“Once we began learning of the unintended consequences to law-abiding doctors and patients with legitimate healthcare needs, we knew we needed to take action to prevent substantial injury or harm to patients,” stated Florida Surgeon General Frank Farmer in a prepared statement. “Issuing the supplemental order, provides practitioners the time needed to order the necessary prescription pads to ensure public safety over the long term.”

In amending his emergency order to suspend the prescription pad requirement until August 29, Farmer noted that the Department of Health has published an approved list of vendors on its website from which healthcare providers can purchase the new prescription pads.

“As a licensed practitioner myself, I understand the complexities of running a medical practice,” stated Farmer. “But in the interest of public health and safety to stop the abuse of prescription drugs, I urge all of Florida’s licensed healthcare practitioners to visit DOH’s website and order the counterfeit proof prescription pads.” The website can be viewed by going online at www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/counterfeit-proof.html

A representative with the Florida Department of Health said, “We tried everything to notify doctors about the law including direct mail campaigns, advertising and notifications through the major medical organizations.” The department is constantly answering questions from concerned physicians and printing companies. “The best way we could put them together was through our approved vendor website.” The department estimates that approximately 50,000 Florida-licensed physicians prescribe controlled substances to treat their patients’ medical needs.

One thing is for sure, if they didn’t get the message before they certainly got it, when their prescriptions couldn’t be filled. Florida printing companies are getting inundated with questions about the pads in enough time to meet the extended deadline. 

Chuck Wright is the owner of the printing companies TWIhealthcare.com, TWI Services, Inc and the president of the information group, Medical Office Resources of Florida, LLP.  He can be reached at Chuck@TWIservices.com.

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