The deadline is fast approaching and you will be required to comply with one protection solution from each category to guard your prescriptions.

Category 1: Prevent the unauthorized copying of a completed or blank prescription form. (Features in bold tend to be less costly and easier to implement.)

• “Void” or “Illegal” Pantograph appears when the prescription is photocopied.
• Coin-reactive ink that changes color when rubbed by a coin.
• Watermark: Special paper containing a “watermark”.
• Micro printing: Very small font writing, such as a signature line.

Category 2: Prevent the erasure or modification of information written on the prescription by the prescriber.

• Uniform non-white background color. Background consists of a solid color or consistent pattern that has been printed onto the paper.
• Quantity check off boxes in addition to the written quantity on the prescription Pre-print refill indicator (circle or check number of refills or “NR”) Pre-print "Rx is void if more than___ Rxs on paper" on prescription paper.
• Quantity Border (for computer generated prescriptions) Quantities are surrounded by special characters such as an asterisk to prevent alteration, e.g. QTY **50**.
  
• Refill Border (for computer generated prescriptions) Refill quantities are surrounded by special characters such as an asterisk to prevent alteration, e.g. QTY **5**.
• Chemically reactive paper.
• Paper toner fuser: Special printer toner establishes a strong bond to prescription paper.
• Safety or security paper with colored pattern: White (or some other color) mark appears when erased.

Category 3: Prevent the use of counterfit prescription forms.

• Security features and descriptions listed on prescriptions Complete list of the security feature on the prescription paper for compliance purposes.
• Serial numbered prescriptions.
• Bar code: Serial number is encoded in a bar code.
• Logos: Sometimes used as part of the background color or pantograph.
• Metal strip: Paper contains metal security strip.
• Heat sensing imprint: By touching the imprint or design, the imprint will disappear.
• Paper contains fibers or ink visible only under black light.
• Thermo chromic ink: Changes color when exposed to heat and then changes back to its original color when cooled.
• Holograms that interfere with photocopying.