NACDS thanks organizations opposed to early implementation of tamper-proof prescriptions

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores today thanked 76 health care organizations that accepted NACDS’ invitation to sign a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt urging a delay in the implementation date of a statute requiring all Medicaid prescriptions to be written on tamper-proof paper.

According to NACDS, implementation problems and issues range from whether a sufficient number of pads will be available to the tens of thousands of prescribers that write hundreds of millions of prescriptions for Medicaid beneficiaries each year, where and how prescribers will obtain the pads, the specific requirements for the pads, who will pay for the cost of the pads and the potential for delays for Medicaid recipients receiving prescription medications.

"The current October 1, 2007, implementation date poses an unacceptable risk that Medicaid patients may not receive their medication," said Steve Anderson, National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and chief executive officer. "NACDS applauds the action of organizations from across the health care spectrum to urge a delay of this requirement."