Rx Pad Safety

November 1, 2004

We recently moved our office and have a significant number of prescription pads with our old address, phone, and fax numbers on them. Do we need to order new ones, or can we put a label with the correct information on the pads and still use them? Also, should the doctors' DEA numbers be on the pads?

Question: We recently moved our office and have a significant number of prescription pads with our old address, phone, and fax numbers on them. Do we need to order new ones, or can we put a label with the correct information on the pads and still use them? Also, should the doctors' DEA numbers be on the pads?

Answer: We consulted with a malpractice carrier who indicated that the "label is probably technically OK," but there is no federal regulation specific to the question. Of course, make sure the label cannot be peeled off.

This carrier recommends against the DEA number on the pads, but many groups do it. We suggest that you check with your malpractice carrier about both questions, just to be sure there aren't any state issues.