Are your controlled substance prescription pads up-to-date?

On January 1, 2012, a new law took effect that requires changes to controlled substance prescription forms. Unless a physician is a designated prescriber from a licensed health care facility, prescription forms for controlled substances are now required to include the preprinted address of the prescribing practitioner. Previously, prescription forms were only required to include the preprinted name, category of licensure, license number and federal controlled substance registration number of the prescribing practitioner.

Physicians must also now ensure their controlled substance prescription pads contain a statement printed on the bottom of the prescription form that the "Prescription is void if the number of drugs prescribed is not noted."

Any controlled substance prescription form that is not in compliance with these requirements won't be valid or accepted after July 1, 2012. For more details, see California Health & Safety Code §11162.1.

 Physicians are urged to check that their prescription pads are up-to-date and were obtained from an approved security printer – you can check approved printers at the Office of the Attorney General's website.