Written by Sarah Lim, CA Lic# 0M52397

New Prescription Forms Required for Controlled Substances

Effective January 1, 2019, new prescription forms with uniquely printed serialized numbers are required for controlled substances.  The Department of Justice (DOJ) has released notices that explain the serial number format and the reporting requirements.  Notices from the Medical Board of California and the California State Board of Pharmacy have also been sent out to prescribers and pharmacists. 

It is recognized that there may be a period of transition that can last from weeks to months where prescribers will continue to use outdated security forms.  However, prescribers are advised to get their compliant security forms as soon as possible.  The Enforcement Committee of the Pharmacy Board does not want any patient denied access to their necessary medications during this transition period so they have recommended that enforcement of the new forms not be a priority until July 1, 2019.  As long as the security form used was compliant prior to January 1, 2019 and it was determined in the pharmacist’s best judgment that it was in the best interest of the patient, enforcement staff are not to make an enforcement priority of actions.  Note that prescribers should expect calls from dispensers to validate such prescriptions.