Information for Pharmacists

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A PRESCRIPTION IS FRAUDULENT

1. Confirm with the issuing medical practitioner that the prescription is fraudulent.
2. Obtain valid identification from the customer by:
   1. Making a copy of the identification (I.D) the customer provides to you
   2. Recording the I.D. # on the reverse side of the prescription

NRS 453.431(2) allows a pharmacist to request I.D. for Controlled Substance Prescriptions

Once you have confirmed a fraudulent prescription, return the I.D. and advise the customer that it is fraudulent. Advise the customer, who is now the suspect, that you are notifying the Major Crimes Unit of the Department of Public Safety’s Investigation Division (DPS-ID).

It is imperative that you OBTAIN I.D. prior to advising the suspect you are aware the prescription is fraudulent.

DO NOT FILL THE PRESCRIPTION, AND DO NOT RETURN THE FRAUDULENT PRESCRIPTION!

The individual has now committed two felonies:

1. BURGLARY, N.R.S. 205.060, and
2. ATTEMPTING TO OBTAIN A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE BY FRAUD, N.R.S. 453.331

Contact the Major Crimes Unit of the DPS Investigation Division at (775)-684-7453, and one of the detectives will respond to the pharmacy to conduct the follow-up investigation.

Secure any evidence including the photocopy of the suspect’s I.D. and the prescription in addition to any other documents or information obtained. 

Document the date, time, and personnel involved in the incident. A DPS detective will request you to complete a voluntary statement detailing the circumstances of the crime. This statement need not be elaborate, just accurate.

The procedures listed above will help ensure the success of placing the suspect at the scene of the crime—your pharmacy. Without positive identification, a successful prosecution against an individual committing prescription fraud becomes difficult.

WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN REDUCE THE INCIDENTS OF PRESCRIPTION ABUSE AND

FRAUD OCCURRING IN NEVADA.