June 2010

Washington state law requires tamper-resistant paper prescription forms

Effective July 1, all prescriptions written in Washington must be on an approved tamper-resistant pad or paper. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18.64.500 includes the following details:

• The seal of approval must appear in the bottom right corner of the prescription form. View sample layout (PDF).
• The state image is green thermo-chromic ink, changing from green to yellow when exposed to heat or friction. It returns to green when cooled.
• Tamper-resistant prescription paper or pads should not be used when faxing directly to a pharmacy. The fax machine may activate the pantograph, making it appear that the prescription is invalid or void.

Tamper-resistant prescription paper and pads currently in use may not comply with the new law. Only board-approved forms should be used for prescriptions given to a patient or patient designee, including prescriptions printed from an electronic medical record system.


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