Licensure, defined

Computerized physician provider order entry (CPOE) is defined as the computer system that allows direct entry of medical orders by the physician or person with appropriate licensure and privileges to do so. Directly entering orders into a computer has the benefit of reducing errors by minimizing the errors caused by handwritten orders, but even a greater benefit is realized when the combination of CPOE and clinical decision-support tools is implemented together. 

Webster s Dictionary defines a standard as something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example and states that standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority (standards of behavior) (Webster s, 2003). From a contemporary managerial perspective, standards of conduct for a pharmacist and for the operation of a pharmacy are derived both from laws and from professional standards or values. Standards for professional conduct and the operation of a pharmacy, whether stated formally in statutes and regulations or present in professional codes of ethics, are important for managers to understand and apply. Violations of these standards can affect the licensure status of a pharmacy practice site and/or its pharmacists, may result in litigation if a patient is harmed subsequent to a violation, and in the most serious cases can result in criminal prosecution. Both criminal prosecution and civil liability resulted in the case of Robert Courtney, the pharmacist discussed in the scenario. Courtney was sentenced to 30 years in prison, fined 25,000, and ordered to pay 10.4 million in restitution to the patients and families affected. These penalties were in addition to the civil judgment of 2.2 billion (Stafford, 2002). 

Defining quality and safety competencies for nursing and proposed targets for the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed in nursing pre-licensure programs for the competencies of patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, safety, and informatics. 

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