1. A method for processing multi-stage programming (MSP) bits within one-time-programmable (OTP) memory, the method comprising: determining whether at least one MSP memory bit in the OTP memory is programmed; determining whether a register bit associated with said at least one MSP memory bit is asserted; and programming said at least one MSP memory bit, if said register bit is deasserted and said at least one MSP memory bit is unprogrammed.