Prescribing legibility

The prescribing information listed in Clause 4.2 must be provided in a clear and legible maimer in all promotional material for a medicine except for abbreviated advertisements (see Clause 5) and for promotional aids which meet the requirements of Clause 18.3. 

The prescribing information is the essential information which must be provided in promotional material. It follows therefore that the information must be given in a clear and legible manner which assists readability. 

All prescription orders should be legible, unambiguous, dated (and timed in the case of a chart order), and signed clearly for optimal communication between prescriber, pharmacist, and nurse. Furthermore, a good prescription or chart order should contain sufficient information to permit the pharmacist or nurse to discover possible errors before the drug is dispensed or administered. 

Refill, special labeling, or other instructions Prescriber s signature, address, and other appropriate information (e g., telephone, fax, and pager munbers) As with any part of the prescription, legibility is essential. Sloppy, unclear, or barely legible prescription... 

Prescribing information must be presented legibly in a typeface that is not less than 6 or 7 point, and provide good contrast. 

Full advertisements A full advertisement is one that includes product claims and must include the prescribing information (also called succinct prescribing information or SPI) in a clear and legible manner. The prescribing information must form part of the promotion material, must not be separate from it and should include the following ... 

In the case of a journal advertisement where the prescribing information does not appear on the same spread, a reference to where it can be found must appear on the outer edge of the page in a legible manner. 

Promotional material must include a characteristic and legible warning which states that the information contained on the web page is exclusively addressed to healthcare professionals who are authorised to prescribe or supply medicinal products and, therefore, specific training is necessary for the correct interpretation. 

Healthcare providers must be sure that the dmg is the correct medication for the patient. This too leads to errors. Healthcare providers ask Was this the dmg prescribed on the medication order Is the medication order legible and complete Why is the patient receiving this medication Is the medication consistent with the patient s condition Does the patient have any food or dmg allergies ... 

Weight-based dose should not exceed the recommended adult dose. Prescribers should write legible prescriptions. 

Employers must not use allow steel-chain slings with loads in excess of the rated capacities (i.e., working load limits) indicated on the sling by permanently affixed and legible identification markings prescribed by the manufacturer. 

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