Over time, there have been steps taken to reduce the chances of counterfeiting prescriptions. Counterfeit prescriptions can lead to drug abuse and other problems, so taking steps like making all prescriptions digital or requiring the pharmacist to call the doctor for certain medications helps minimize the risk of counterfeits occurring.
In the past, paper prescriptions made it easier for prescription fraud, including counterfeiting to occur. All someone would need to do is to take a few sheets of the doctor’s prescription paper and know their signature to essentially order anything they’d like to get for themselves.
Handwritten prescription pads increase the risk of prescription fraud
Prescription pads were commonplace not long ago, but with digital technology, those have long been set aside. At the same time, there are cases when a doctor might still need to write out a paper prescription. For example, if the digital system is down or there is a problem with the digital transmission of a prescription, then it might still be necessary for a medical provider to issue a paper prescription.
In Minnesota, the Minnesota Statutes do require that all prescriptions are prescribed electronically. Despite that, the state Board of Pharmacy still provides information on how to handle paper prescriptions to pharmacists in the state.
What can you do if you’re accused of counterfeiting a prescription?
Since it’s so uncommon to see a paper prescription, and writing one out may no longer be second nature, it is possible that a pharmacist or other party could report the prescription. If that happens, there is a potential that you could be accused of counterfeiting the prescription that was written out for you.
If you are a patient who receives a paper prescription, ask your doctor to make sure they have the correct date on it and that it is legible. Ask where you should contact if the pharmacy has any questions. Then, if the pharmacists on staff want to know why the prescription did not come digitally, you will be prepared to give them an answer and a place to call to speak with your medical provider.