Principles of Prescription Writing

Current Prescription Formatting

• Heading
• Name, address, and telephone number of the prescriber
• Name, sex and age of the patient
• Date of the prescription

• 3

Contents of the Prescription

• Patient Name and Address
• Full first and last name
• Middle initial may be helpful
• DOB – not required, but will be helpful in further identifying the correct patient to prevent medication errors

Contents of the Prescription

• Practitioner’s Name, Address, and Phone number
• Validates prescription
• Provides contact information to clarify any questions

Contents of the Prescription

• Date
• Date the prescription is issued or written
• Allows the determination of the life of the prescription to validate refills
• Ensures continual patient supervision
• Promotes patient follow - up