1. Chapter 5
Prescriptions

2. Learning Objectives Understand the prescription process
Understand the importance of preventing and identifying medication errors
Differences in responsibilities
Patient privacy

3. Prescriptions…
A prescription is a written order from a practitioner for the preparation and administration of a medicine or device.
Subject to many federal and state rules and regulations
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4. Pharmacy Abbreviations
Common abbreviations
Route of administration
Dosage Form
Timing of administration
Measurement
Other

5. Prescription Information
Stringent requirements
Informs the pharmacist and protects the patient

6. Checklist Determine exact name. Information must be current.
Consider these factors
Take this action
Patient’s full name?
DOB, address, number, insurance info, allergies…
Over the counter?
Schedule II drug?
Date of prescription
Drug available…quantity?
Suspicious???
Determine exact name.
Information must be current.
Consult with pharmacist.
Information patients as needed.
Alter the pharmacist of potential forgeries.

7. The Fill Process
Once prescription information is finalized in the computerized prescription system, a label and receipt are printed out.
The PT completes the fill process by placing the correct amount of medication into an appropriate container and labeling correctly.
A pharmacist must check the final product and the label.

8. Common Errors Scope of practice Ask pharmacist questions as needed
Medication errors are serious and may include:
The wrong medication
The wrong strength, dosage form or quantity
The wrong directions
The medication to the wrong patient
A medication on a forged or altered prescription

9. Considerations Are the fill instructions clear and reasonable?
Are the administration directions clear?
Are there look-alike names?
Don’t add information!
Pay attention to warnings!
Check against the original prescription!

10. Labels
The prescription label:

11. Directions for use
Auxillary labels
Placing the label
Institutional labels
Medication orders

12. HIPAA Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996
Federal Act that, among other things, protects the privacy of individuals and the sharing of protected health information.

13. Key terms Prescription Extemporaneous compounding Rx Signa
Schedule II drugs
DAW/PSC
OTC Drugs
HIPAA

14. Questions, comments, concerns…