Safety

Washington bans cursive writing for prescriptions

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, June 29, 2006

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Physicians in Washington state can no longer use cursive writing when filling prescriptions, according to an article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

The move was made as a way to increase the legibility of the scripts, which contain vital information that can be easily misunderstood by pharmacists filling the order. Orders must now be printed out via computer or written with print lettering.

A random sampling of physician orders showed that 24 to 32% were illegible, according to the report. Most times, pharmacists would have to call physicians to clarify an order, which delays the administration of medication.

To read the complete report, click here.



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