Abstract: A method and system for controlling an in-home medical device, such as a drug delivery pump, wherein a control program or "prescription" for control of the device is encoded on a portable card, such as a smartcard. Accordingly, the card can be used on other medical devices without the need to reprogram the devices. In addition, the medical device is monitored and data relating to the device can be saved to the smartcard so that a paperless and portable record can be kept of the device operation. In the case of a drug delivery pump, the prescription dictates the rate of drug delivery, the frequency of drug delivery, and other variables associated with the treatment being provided. In addition, a security program is provided which ensures that only authorized patients can utilize the medical device. The program compares an access code stored on the patient card with an access code stored in the device memory and allows the device to operate if the codes match.