Make sure prescriptions are signed by a qualified prescriber

During recent pharmacy audits, we saw a rising number of nonqualified individuals signing prescriptions or signing on behalf of the prescriber. We’d like to clarify who may sign prescriptions for claims billed to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network prescription drug program.

The prescriber should make sure prescriptions are signed by a licensed doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery (referred to as the “delegating doctor”). Prescriptions can also be signed by a licensed physician assistant, dentist, doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery, optometrist certified under MCL 333.17435 to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, or veterinarian (referred to as the “other prescriber”).

The following chart shows the licensed individuals with independent and delegated prescribing authority for controlled and non-controlled substances:

¹The delegating prescriber’s name and DEA number must be on the prescription along with the APRN’s name and DEA number.
²Independent prescribing authority if there is a collaborative practice agreement in place with the physician.

If the pharmacist who receives a prescription doesn’t recognize the name or credentials of the signatory on a prescription, the pharmacist may call the prescriber’s office or facility to verify the authorization for the prescription.

Only the individuals noted above should sign a prescription. A medical assistant or other office assistant who doesn’t meet these qualifications should not sign prescriptions.

In addition, we don’t accept stamped signatures, and all written prescriptions must be signed and dated.