What is a Probation Pill Check or Probation Pill Count?

What is a Probation Pill Check or Probation Pill Count?

If you are on probation or parole, any prescribed medication you take must be disclosed to your supervising officer. He or she will keep some or all of the following information on file:
  • The name of the medication
  • How often you are supposed to take it
  • The milligrams or micrograms per pill
  • The quantity you are supposed to take each time
  • The expiration date
  • The name of your pharmacy
  • The name of the prescribing doctor
It is very important that your probation or parole officer has all of this information so that if you fail a drug test for the drug associated with the information on file, you won't be violated. In addition to being required to have this information on file, you may also be periodically called in for a pill check. Some supervising officers conduct regular monthly pill checks, while others do it on a random basis. Sometimes it is only done if your probation or parole officer has reason to believe you are not using the medications as prescribed. If you are called in for a pill check, you must bring in your current pill bottle from the pharmacy. When you arrive, you will most likely be given a drug test and then asked to wait while the following things are verified: Medication accuracy: They want to know that the pills in the bottle match what’s on the label. For example, you are prescribed Xanax, and the person conducting the pill check will compare the pills in the bottle to a book or online pill identifier to be sure it is that prescribed drug. Strength: Using the same method, they will check to be sure that the strength listed on the label matches what they have on file and also matches what is actually in the bottle. Quantity: Your pills will be counted. Any pills you have taken will be subtracted from the total number listed on the bottle. No pills can be missing. Sometimes the authorities will for pills taken before arrival on the day you picked up the prescription. The reason for pill checks is to be sure you are not taking more pills than you have been prescribed, so you do not get high, sell them, or giving them away.