Prescription forgeries continue to be presented to pharmacies in person, but CPhM is receiving more reports of forgeries being faxed or called in over the phone.
Identifying Forged Prescriptions
Prescription forgeries take various forms, from handwritten alterations and photocopies to sophisticated electronic manipulations. It’s crucial for pharmacy staff to objectively review all prescriptions for potential signs of forgery.
Faxed Prescriptions
Look out for:
- Incorrect or missing clinic information on the prescription header.
- Discrepancies between the fax number and the registered clinic/prescriber.
- Absence of a fax cover sheet or confidentiality statement.
- Inconsistencies in the prescriber’s signature or template.
Verbal Prescriptions
Be cautious if:
- The individual providing the verbal order cannot provide identifying details about the clinic or prescriber.
Prescriptions Presented in Person
Watch for:
- Signs of tampering such as white-out, overwriting, or smudging.
- Lack of ink signature or discrepancies in the prescriber’s signature or template.
- Unusual quantities or dosage patterns.
All Prescriptions
Pay attention to:
- Spelling errors, unusual abbreviations, or inappropriate terminology.
- Abnormal quantities or dosage instructions.
- Inconsistencies in formatting or evidence of presentation at multiple pharmacies.
Responding to Suspected Forgeries
- Retain a prescription. If the patient demands the prescription back, make a copy of the prescription and if possible, mark the original to alert next pharmacy. Do not compromise the safety of pharmacy staff or patients.
- Verify the suspected forgery with the prescriber. Be sure to use verified contact information, as the contact information on the suspected forgery may not be accurate.
Once a Forgery Has Been Confirmed
- Contact the police. Provide a copy of the forgery to the police if requested and allowed.
- Report attempted forgeries to CPhM using the new online attempted forgery reporting tool.
- Report successful forgeries that were dispensed to CPhM and the Health Canada Office of Control Substances by submitting a loss/theft report.