APhA Policy Manual

Prescription Order Requirements

PRESCRIPTIONS AND PRESCRIPTION ORDERS

APhA supports the use of technology to facilitate the transmission of prescription order information from the prescriber to the pharmacist of the patient’s choice at no additional cost to the pharmacy.
APhA supports the use of technology where appropriate standards for patient confidentiality and prescriber and pharmacist verification are established.
APhA supports the transmission of complete prescriber information on or with the prescription order that enables the pharmacist to readily identify and facilitate communication with the prescriber.
APhA supports the use of specific instructions with prescription orders. Use of potentially confusing terminology (e.g.,“as directed,” unclear use of Latin phrases, confusing abbreviations) should be avoided.
APhA supports the inclusion of the diagnosis or indication for use for which the medication is ordered on or with the transmission of the prescription order by use of standard diagnosis codes or within the directions for use. APhA further supports the inclusion of patient-specific information on or with the prescription order where appropriate.
APhA supports public education about the benefits and risks of technological advances in pharmacy practice.