CMS to require tamper-resistant prescriptions

CMS still must define what exactly constitutes tamper resistance. Even though the law is scheduled to go into effect Oct. 1, CMS has yet to issue a rule. Tamper-resistant features often include: watermark, colored thread, ink that disappears or change when copied, and surface coatings that smear if tampered with.

While pharmacy organizations do not the dispute the need for better security, officials have expressed concern over the quick implementation period and the lack of response from CMS. Pharmacies that submit claims for Medicaid prescriptions that are not submitted on tamper-resistant paper or via e-prescriptions could be denied reimbursement.

By some estimates, organized retail theft costs retailers an estimated $30 billion per year in merchandise. In response, Checkpoint Systems has introduced the ORT Solutions Suite, a portfolio of products designed to mitigate the impact of organized theft. The suite includes systems for tracking and authenticating packaged goods and alerting retailers to unusual product movement on the sales floor, tamper-evident identification labels, and alarm systems. For more information on the ORT suite, go to http://www.checkpointsystems.com/.

797 goes wireless

Pharmacy OneSource has partnered with FreshLoc Technologies to integrate its wireless environmental monitoring sensors with Simplifi 797, a Web-based application for USP General Chapter 797 compliance. The FreshLoc system uses wireless sensors to automatically and continually log temperature, humidity, and other measures, delivering reports and alerts in real time. It can monitor equipment to ensure compliance throughout a facility or an enterprise. Simplifi 797 also manages task scheduling and monitoring and automates the reporting of exceptions and compliance.

QS/1 adds C/Rx thermal printer

Take Care checks in

Take Care Health Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Walgreens, has been licensed to use the E-Health Platform, Evolution EMR, and Evolution PHR software from Ethidium Health Systems. The patient check-in kiosk and electronic medical record (EMR) solutions were deployed in Take Care's retail pharmacy locations. As part of the deployment, and to enable distributed charge capture, Ethidium integrated its software with GE Healthcare's Centricity Group Management product solution.

FDA approves electronic medication device

The Food & Drug Administration has cleared for marketing the INRange Systems Electronic Medication Management Assistant (EMMA). EMMA is a programmable device that stores and dispenses prescription medication for patients' use in the home, under the supervision of a healthcare provider. It is aimed at reducing drug-identification and dosing errors, especially for aging patients and those with complex medication regimens. The device consists of a medication delivery unit and two-way communication software that allows a healthcare professional to remotely manage prescriptions stored and released by the patient-operated delivery unit. Visit http://www.inrangesystems.com/ for more information.