I think I know the answer to this...

[freckles2]

Is it out of an LPN's scope of practice to fill out rx's that are already signed by the physician. Not for narcotics, but for refills on meds that patients are already established on. I've heard that if the signature differs from writing on the script it's an issue. Please help me with this dilemia.

[DONN]

I dont understand the question. Are you saying that a DR has signed a blank prescription and then YOU basically " fill in the blanks" with meds that are on some list or MAR someplace? If that is the case I wouldnt touch it with a 10 foot pole and frankly what DR signs a blank prescription and then hands it over to someone else. I could see where this could be a huge can o worms, say he wants to order 15 Lortabs and someone puts down 75. No way would I ever do that. The DR fills out the RX entirely or else the pt. doesnt get the meds in my book.......

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

I don't think it's much of a dilemma. Don't do it. WAY too much potential for confusion, especially if the physician isn't checking out the scripts before passing them on to the patient.

[tatgirl]

I agree with the above postings. I wouldnt touch a blank rx with a 20 foot pole. I have worked too hard to get my nursing license.

Wendy

[justmanda]

I agree. Whenever I see a forgotten prescription pad lying around I cringe. Like you said, I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole.

[J Lynn]

I understand what you're asking. I'm usually the one writing the scripts in the office I work in and then the doctor signs it. He trust me enough not to even look over the script. He knows how careful I am and it's never been a problem, even for narcotics. I'll never write a script that I'm not sure of. I'm the only nurse in the office and we never had a problem with the pharmacies not accepting the script. It all depends on where you work and WHO you work for. Protect your license is first, but in my case, I know my doctor will back me up.

[Bonniechapl]

I have been an LPN for 26 yrs. now. I would definitely not touch that script with a ten foot pole. You worked too hard for your license. Soo much could go wrong.

[sueb]

it's done all the time where i work, especially if a patient is being discharged. i do rounds with the doc and write out the discharge scripts as he says them and then he signs them. there has never been a problem. if it makes you uncomfortable perhaps you could call them to the pharmacy. we also do alot of that.

[norinradd]

In a doctor office, nurses call in orders all of time. How is this different? Can you see a doctor defend himself be saying, "Well I signed these blank Rxs and... nevermind". Doctor's office's are a world on to their own. So much that goes on is done directly on the Dr's license.

[skittlebear]

are you possibly referring to standing order medications at a LTC facility?

[Butterflybee]

Im still a nursing student and I certainly would not touch it. If I were put in that situation, I would speak privately to whoever was in charge about it.

As already has been said, you've worked too hard to get your license.

Let us know what happens.

[nursecrickett]

I have worked in 2 different clinic settings. It is common practice for scripts to be filled out by the LVNs and MAs. One office looked at the Rx and then signed it. The other clinic the Drs. trust you to know how to write it as they say it. Thats just the way its done. Never an issue, but yes, in a clinic you are under the Drs. license.

Crickett