Janice K. Brewer, Governor
Thomas J. Betlach, Director

801 East Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85034
PO Box 25520, Phoenix, AZ 85002
Phone: 602-417-4000
www.azahcccs.gov

Our first care is your health care
ARIZONA HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT SYSTEM

DATE:	November 8, 2012

TO:	AHCCCS Contractor CEOs
AHCCCS Contractor Medical Directors AHCCCS Contractor Pharmacy Directors AHCCCS Contractor Compliance Officers

FROM:	Suzi Berman, RPh, Director of Pharmacy

SUBJECT:	Tamper Resistant Prescription Pads (TRPP)

The purpose of this memo is to provide additional guidance on the required use of Tamper
Resistant Prescription Pads (TRPP) which became effective on November 1, 2012. As a
reminder, a memo which addressed the new requirements for TRPP was previously sent on April
27, 2012.  The memo is located in the Pharmacy Information section on the AHCCCS website;
the link to the section is provided below:

www.azahcccs.gov/commercial/pharmacyupdates.aspx

The previous memo requested Contractors to initiate discussions with all contracted prescribers and providers regarding the new TRPP requirements.  Prescribers and providers were encouraged to contact their prescription pad vendors to ensure the availability of new pads that meet these requirements. TRPP became effective for written prescriptions on November 1st for
all AHCCCS members.  Claims auditing will begin for all prescriptions written for AHCCCS
members on or after January 1, 2013.

The memo also stated, “Federal law prohibits payments for prescriptions that do not meet these requirements.  The AHCCCS FFS and Contractors’ PBMs must also include these requirements as part of their pharmacy review and audit processes.”

With regard to audit provisions, the Contractor or Contractor’s PBM shall contact AHCCCS to review audit findings regarding TRPP compliance prior to initiating any action.

If you have any questions, please contact the AHCCCS Pharmacy Department at (602) 417-4726 or visit the AHCCCS Pharmacy Information section at the above link.

C:  Kelly Ridgway, CEO, Arizona Pharmacy Association
Hal Wand, Executive Director, Arizona State Board of Pharmacy