Ordering Medication

Acceptable

• PRN (“As Needed”) Orders: Orders acted on based on the occurrence of a specific indication or symptom
• Automatic Stop Orders: Orders that include a date or time to discontinue a medication
• Taper Orders: Orders in which the dose is decreased by a particular amount with each dosing interval
• Range Orders: Orders in which the dose or dosing interval (not both) varies over a prescribed range, depending on the situation or patient’s status
• Standing Orders: A pre-written medication order and specific instructions from the LIP to administer a medication to a person in clearly defined circumstances

NOT ACCEPTABLE

• Verbal orders:Orders which are communicated verbally
  • Exception: permitted in the event of a medical emergency
• Range Orders in which the dose AND dosing interval vary over a prescribed range

1. Patient allergies or potential sensitivities
2. Existing or potential interactions between the medication ordered and food and medications the patient is currently taking
3. Appropriateness of the medication, dose, frequency, and route of administration
4. Current or potential impact as indicated by laboratory values
5. Therapeutic duplication
6. Other contraindications

1. Name of the medication
2. Dosage
3. Route of administration
4. Frequency of administration
5. Amount to be dispensed
6. Number of refills