Final answer:
The tamper-resistant prescription requirement for Medicaid necessitates specific security features to prevent fraud and is a mandate for federal reimbursement eligibility. Although these features are designed for paper prescriptions, electronic prescriptions also have their own set of regulations for security under HIPAA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tamper-resistant prescription requirements for Medicaid patients are designed to prevent unauthorized copying, alteration, or use of prescription forms for fraudulent purposes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) stipulate that all written prescriptions for covered outpatient drugs must be on tamper-resistant pads to be eligible for federal reimbursement. These prescriptions must incorporate features such as one or more of the following: prevent unauthorized copying of a completed or blank prescription form; prevent the erasure or modification of information written on the prescription by the prescriber; and prevent the use of counterfeit prescription forms.
Regarding electronic prescriptions, these safety features primarily apply to hardcopy prescriptions. Nevertheless, electronic prescriptions (e-prescribing) must also comply with specific regulations to ensure security and authentication, including the use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology and adherence to the rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).