Description should include the

• prescriber information
• date written
• inscription
• signa
• signature of the prescriber
• refill instructions
• prescriber instructions (e.g., “dispense as written,” or “generic substitutions allowed”)
• patient name, address, date of birth
• patient's weight, depending on age.

If the prescription is for a compounded medication, a list of ingredients must be included.

Teacher Resource: Board of Pharmacy, Virginia Department of Health Professions

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why are all these elements required for a prescription to be complete?
• What healthcare providers are authorized to write prescriptions?
• What actions must be taken if a prescription is thought to be fraudulent?
• What prescriptions cannot be filled/refilled over the phone?
• Why are refills of certain schedules of drugs limited?