First Health Services Corporation is the new Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). The PBM supports all pharmacy processing activities, which include claims processing, call center support, prior authorization, prospective and retrospective drug utilization review, academic detailing, and more.
The following information is available on this page:
Counterfeit-proof Prescriptions
Drug Limitations
Pharmacy Ombudsman Pamphlets
NOTE: To access the documents on this page, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your machine. To read a document online, click the icon. To download a document and save a copy to your hard drive, right-click the icon and select "Save Target As..." from the drop-down menu.
The Florida Medicaid program, as part of our efforts to combat fraud and abuse, requires medical practitioners (prescribers) to use a counterfeit-proof prescription blank produced by an approved vendor when writing hard copy prescription orders for Medicaid recipients for any covered service under the Florida Medicaid Prescribed Drug Services Program. Examples of covered services include, but are not limited to: drugs, syringes, nutritional supplements, and test strips. Consult the Florida Medicaid Provider Coverage, Limitations and Reimbursement Handbook, Prescribed Drug Services, for covered services. Prescriptions that are presented via other modes of transmission (for example, facsimile, electronic, telephone, or transfers) are exempt from this requirement.
Effective Dates The requirement became effective on July 1, 2001. During the transition period, pharmacy providers have been allowed to accept original hard copy prescription orders written on traditional blanks through September 30, 2001. The intent of this program is to reduce forged and altered prescriptions and to deter drug abuse. It is not the intent of the program to inconvenience a person seeking to have a valid prescription filled. Beginning October 1, 2001, any pharmacist receiving a hard copy prescription for a Medicaid recipient not written on a counterfeit-proof prescription blank produced by an approved vendor must, for compliance purposes, verify the prescription order with the prescriber or facility and record on the original prescription the person contacted and the date verified. If a prescriber continues to use blanks not produced by an approved vendor, the pharmacist should report the prescriber to the local Area Medicaid Office.
Vendor Information The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) approves vendors to manufacture and distribute the counterfeit-proof prescription blanks. Information about becoming a vendor may be obtained by contacting Medicaid Program Integrity at 850-921-1802. These vendors are required to produce, as specified, a quality product, maintain the security of the supplies they are storing, and follow certain safeguards to ensure timely delivery of the blanks to authorized practitioners. All medical practitioners who prescribe drugs to Medicaid recipients are responsible for obtaining the blanks from an AHCA approved vendor. Payment may be made by the prescriber or a professional sponsor. Inquiries about types of blanks offered, cost, and professional sponsorship should be made with approved vendors. See the link below for the list of approved vendors.
Prescription Blank Information A uniform layout, format, or style is not required when a vendor produces the blank. Prescribers may choose to customize the layout and may use the blank for Non-Medicaid patients. The program only requires that all vendors produce the blanks according to specifications with the minimum security features required and with a tracking identification number printed on the blank. The security features include the following: the background color of the blank must be blue or green and resist reproduction, the blank must resist erasures and alterations, and the word "void" or "illegal" must appear on a photocopy of the blank. Additional security features are encouraged, but are not required. The security features are listed on the blank. In regard to the tracking identification number, approved vendors are assigned a unique alpha prefix identifier, e.g., ABC, that is the first part of a tracking identification number required to be printed on the front of the blank. To assist in identifying a blank produced by an approved vendor, the alpha prefix identifier on the prescription blank should match with a vendor listed on the approved vendor list located on this web site. The list is updated as needed. Complaints about a vendor's blanks may be filed with Medicaid Program Integrity by calling (850) 921-1802.
A prescription order written on a counterfeit-proof prescription blank does not automatically make the prescription order compliant or valid. As with all prescription orders, the pharmacist should exercise professional judgment and take appropriate measures necessary to ensure the validity of any prescription received. As always, the pharmacist should comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the practice of pharmacy.
Counterfeit-proof Prescriptions Vendor List
Back to Top
Reference the following document for information on the Florida Medicaid program’s Drug Limitations.
Current Drug Limitations
Please use the form below to re-order Pharmacy Ombudsman Pamphlets.
Pharmacy Ombudsman Pamphlet Re-order Form