Who prescribes for themselves or family

Salter444 · Aug 5, 2015

I was advised early on to not write rx for friends and families and never ever for myself. If you are in a group practice you can always call in an rx under another providers name (as long as it is okay with them). However, that should only be in rare circumstances (immediate family, self or sig other). other than that unless i se you in the clinic I do not prescribe jack. That way I do not have to worry how it looks.

automotiveRN67 · Aug 6, 2015

I was advised early on to not write rx for friends and families and never ever for myself. If you are in a group practice you can always call in an rx under another providers name (as long as it is okay with them). However, that should only be in rare circumstances (immediate family, self or sig other). other than that unless i se you in the clinic I do not prescribe jack. That way I do not have to worry how it looks.

But isn't that violating the first rule for physicians and practitioners? By calling it in under someone else's name, you are directly violating the "must examine to prescribe" rule, thereby, putting that person at risk. I think you could make a better case for prescribing for your family or yourself, which is only a "should not", because it is very likely you have seen and examined your family, and you have absolutely examined yourself.

Trauma Columnist · Aug 6, 2015

This discussion has continued for several pages with several differing opinions. As there is some turmoil as to what to do...maybe not engaging in this practice would be the prudent action.

automotiveRN67 · Aug 7, 2015

This discussion has continued for several pages with several differing opinions. As there is some turmoil as to what to do...maybe not engaging in this practice would be the prudent action.

The variety of opinions is the reason I brought this discussion to this forum. One of the common suggestions is to have someone call a script for you. To paraphrase, "Just have someone you know call it in." Even my PCP (a nurse practitioner), tells me she does this.

I wonder if people who suggest that are willing to call in scripts for other colleagues?

Jules A, MSN · Aug 7, 2015

I wonder if people who suggest that are willing to call in scripts for other colleagues?

As I posted I do it. Again it is only colleagues not self, family or friends who aren't prescribers. I haven't ever been asked by a RN or social worker friend and that would make me uncomfortable so that would probably depend on the med and circumstances. Two conscientious docs I know will write for nurses we work with on occasion so I'd consider it.

automotiveRN67 · Aug 10, 2015

I have. Also, I have had colleagues fill scripts for me without issue. This thread has certainly been worthwile, I think.

Katya000 · Aug 15, 2015

In a pinch I have prescribed for my fiance but NEVER felt comfortable with it, and never prescribed anything controlled (even though he asked once when he had a killer headache). I made him establish with someone at the clinic where I work. I honestly think it puts us in a really difficult situation where you may want to help someone but you have a pressure/bias because of the relationship. So personally I think it's a bad idea. I've never prescribed for myself and never would unless I was dying or something extreme. I worked my way out of being a PCP for those who work with me at a lower or higher level. I am a PCP for a FNP colleague and it's never been uncomfortable, he's always been willing to work within my area of comfort for prescribing. I will prescribe for other members of the staff for acute things after being assessed, UTIs/sinus infections etc. Still do not feel comfortable doing controlled stuff for people I work with because of the pressure (cause honestly I like to take care of people and I'm sensitive to their pain and I feel I would probably be less biased than with someone I didn't have a personal/working relationship). Truthfully I can be a bit of a hard ass about controlled meds but I work/live in an area with unbelievable drug addiction/abuse/diversion.

scottaprn · Aug 18, 2015

I practice in three different states in each one have separate rules set by the board of nursing. In no states am I allowed to prescribe for myself. There are different rules regarding prescribing for family members which range from you can't do that to you can prescribe to a family member if you're able to separate any emotional ties. Given how vague the rules are I do not prescribe for my family.

I do prescribe for some providers within our group but it is understood that none of us will prescribe controlled substances for each other. This rule came into place when one of our providers self-reported alcohol abuse to the Board of medicine. Prior to his self reporting he did receive prescriptions for controlled substances from other partners. Thankfully, no one got in trouble because of this but it was a wake up call for us to establish a policy.

I usually tell friends and family that I am too far in debt with student loans to take any chances the last thing they want is me living under their roof if I lose my job.

allnurses Guide · Aug 30, 2015

I have had friends ask for scripts for their kids - nope. I'm an ACNP so I can't write for kids. Same reason I wouldn't call something in for my own kid, although I was tempted to write for prevacid to buy online when our copay is $90/month...

I have ONCE called in a script for amoxicillin for a friend with a sinus infection. I did examine and write a note.

I have ONCE asked a NP friend to call in a refill for a chronic med for me when I couldn't get appt with my PCP and they wouldn't refill until I saw them.

My husband just screwed up his knee at hockey the other night and wanted me to call in some analgesics as the motrin 800mg wasn't working.. nope. Go to urgent care or ER if you're in that much pain, otherwise call the sports med center and get an appointment.

I don't see anything specifically prohibiting the practice in my PA state practice act, but as stated prior, there's enough ambiguous mumbo jumbo that they could say applied to this. It's just not worth it or necessary. Would I do it in a true emergency? Possibly. Otherwise no.

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2015

Could you tell friends/family that you are under contract and cannot prescribe for anyone who is not a patient of your employer ?

Jules A, MSN · Aug 30, 2015

Could you tell friends/family that you are under contract and cannot prescribe for anyone who is not a patient of your employer ?

I guess you can say anything you want. My preference is to be honest even if its uncomfortable and hopefully nip it in the bud.

allnurses Guide · Aug 31, 2015

Oh my god, it amazes me how many people ask for prescriptions. Like the aides on my floor at work asking for antibiotics, or even pain meds (yeah, right!). I just say I cannot prescribe for people who are not my patients.