Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1000-04-.10 - TAMPER-RESISTANT PRESCRIPTIONS

(1) Purpose.

This rule is designed to implement the law requiring that advanced practice registered nurses who possess certificates of fitness have all written, typed, or computer-generated prescriptions issued on tamper-resistant prescription paper.

(2) Tamper-Resistant Prescription Requirements.

(a) A prescriber shall ensure that all handwritten, typed, or computer-generated prescription orders are issued on tamper-resistant prescriptions. Tamper-resistant prescriptions shall contain the following features:

1. Either a void or illegal pantograph or a watermark designed to prevent copying;

2. Either quantity check-off boxes with refill indicators or a uniform, non-white background color designed to prevent erasure or modification; and

3. Security features and descriptions listed on the prescriptions designed to prevent use of counterfeit forms.

(3) Security Measures and Recordkeeping.

(a) Each prescriber shall undertake adequate safeguards and security measures to ensure against loss, improper destruction, theft, or unauthorized use of the tamper-resistant prescriptions in the prescriber's possession.

(4) Use of Tamper-Resistant Prescriptions.

(a) Facsimile Prescription Transmission.

1. Prescriptions sent by facsimile transmission are not required to be placed on tamper-resistant prescription paper.

2. If a prescriber transmits a prescription order to a pharmacy by facsimile transmission, the prescriber or someone designated by the prescriber shall document in the patient's medical record the name of the drug, strength, and quantity prescribed. The prescriber may, but is not required to, document the means by which the prescription was transmitted.

(b) Electronic Prescription Transmission.

1. Prescriptions sent by electronic transmission are not required to be placed on tamper-resistant prescription paper.

2. If a prescriber transmits a prescription order to a pharmacy by electronic transmission, the prescriber shall document the prescription in the patient's file and in accordance with the applicable laws and rules for each of the prescribers' respective professions as well as applicable federal laws and rules. The prescriber may, but is not required to, document the means by which the prescription was transmitted.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1000-04-.10

Public necessity rule filed June 25, 2009; effective through December 7, 2009. Public necessity rule filed June 25, 2009 expired; on December 8, 2009, the rule reverted to its prior status. Emergency rule filed December 21, 2009; effective through June 19, 2010. Original rule filed March 22, 2010; effective June 20, 2010. Repeal and new rules filed July 10, 2024; effective 10/8/2024.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 53-10-401, 63-7-123, and 63-7-207.