Comparison of State Requirements for Preprinted Prescriptions
Many pharmacists are uncertain about how to deal with pre-printed prescriptions: prescription pads preprinted with the drug name, quantity, and, less frequently, directions for use. Although these easy-to-read and convenient prescriptions are appealing, there is the potential for prescription diversion and the filling of prescriptions that did not legitimately originate from a licensed prescriber. In addition, preprinted prescriptions may encourage prescribers to use a particular drug and ultimately affect prescribing patterns.
We sought to summarize the positions of the boards of pharmacy for all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, on the use of preprinted prescriptions and examine the advantages and disadvantages of using preprinted prescriptions pads in practice.
Many pharmacists are uncertain about how to deal with pre-printed prescriptions: prescription pads preprinted with the drug name, quantity, and, less frequently, directions for use. Although these easy-to-read and convenient prescriptions are appealing, there is the potential for prescription diversion and the filling of prescriptions that did not legitimately originate from a licensed prescriber. In addition, preprinted prescriptions may encourage prescribers to use a particular drug and ultimately affect prescribing patterns.
We sought to summarize the positions of the boards of pharmacy for all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, on the use of preprinted prescriptions and examine the advantages and disadvantages of using preprinted prescriptions pads in practice.
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