Prescription Pad Precautions

Physicians use prescription pads every day to write their patients' prescriptions. Most patients will not have the desire to get hold of the doctor's prescription pad, but there are some, typically those addicted to prescription drugs, who do want to get hold of it, and sometimes they succeed. This requires doctors to be cautious with their prescription pads, as well as to take precautions to avoid having their pads stolen.

Writing Prescriptions

• When writing a prescription for a controlled substance, write the prescription for a limited quantity of pills. Never authorize anyone but yourself to write prescriptions, and do not give your Drug Enforcement Administration number to anyone on your office staff. As a physician, you should never pre-sign your pads. Always sign your prescription as you write it.

  According to Cliff Rapp, vice president of risk management for First Professionals Insurance Co., you should always keep accurate records on what you prescribe. List type of medication, dates, number of pills, and number of refills. Also list any samples you gave the patient.

Tips for Prescription Pad Use

• If you suspect that you a prescription pad has been stolen, report it right away to the authorities. If a patient is suspected of a prescription drug problem and you suspect he has taken your prescription pad, do not accuse him if you confront him. This can get him angry and only bring out more denial.

  If you suspect prescription pad abuse or theft, you should request a picture ID, such as driver's license, and other ID such as Social Security number. Make copies and keep the documents in the patient's chart. You can also try to obtain authorization from the patient to contact previous physicians they have seen. Question the other physicians about possible prescription and prescription pad abuse related to the patient.

  Other tips: Keep close inventory on your prescription pads. Number them and keep a running list of the numbers, marking off the numbers as they are used so you know when a pad is finished. Taking a weekly inventory can help you monitor your pads. Never have your DEA number printed on your pads. This gives patients easy access to vital information for writing unauthorized prescriptions.

Other Tips

• Always do a thorough screening of each person you hire. This includes criminal-background checks and drug-screening tests. You can even add a random drug-testing policy to your requirements in your employment manual. This will help to ensure that your employees are aware of the possibility of random testing and help to weed out those who might have a drug problem.

  If you suspect abuse, recommend and refer the patient for treatment of her substance abuse. If she denies treatment, make sure to document her refusal.