In 2011 the Oregon Board of Pharmacy established a Prescription Fraud Work Group consisting of representatives from law enforcement, chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, the Oregon Medical Board, the Oregon Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and Board of Pharmacy Staff. The Work-Group reviewed rule requirements and guidelines that other states implemented to help decrease the prevalence of prescription fraud and utilized this information to develop suggested best practices.

These best practices are outlined in the Board’s Prescription Fraud & Pharmacy Robbery Information brochure and may be utilized in pharmacy practice settings to help increase awareness and preparedness surrounding prescription fraud and robberies.  Best practices include contacting local law enforcement agencies if a forgery is in process or has already occurred. A Voluntary Fraudulent Prescription Reporting Form has been developed to help document valuable information regarding such incidents.  This form is voluntary and may be submitted to any law enforcement agency. Also available is a list of Non-Emergency Oregon Law Enforcement Agency Phone Numbers to be utilized appropriately when a crime is not in progress.

The Board hopes that these tools developed by the Work-Group, will help promote preparedness as well as foster communication between pharmacy staff and law enforcement to help deter fraudulent activity.