SOP for Legally Checking a Prescription
1. Firstly check what type of prescription you’ve been given (private, dentist,
practice nurse etc.)
2. Next look at the patient’s key information which must all be present
3. Their full name (can ask them to clarify the prescription is for them)
4. Their full address including postcode
4.1 Ask if any of their personal details have changed (Could update PMR if in use)
5. Lastly, their date of birth (change in procedure for those under 18 years old)
5.1 For those under 18 you may need to check that the medication and dose are
suitable and an adult must sign for the medication
6. You must gather and label the medication correctly according to the
prescription given
7. The prescribers signature must be in indelible ink and match their printed
name
8. The prescribes address must be given and can be checked
9. The prescription can only be dispensed within the date given (6 months for a
standard prescription)
9.1 The prescriber might have set a specific dispensation date which must be
adhered to
10. If any of the medication information is incorrect then contact the prescriber
10.1 Some errors may be corrected over the phone (or PNC for strength or quantity)
but changes in medication may require a new prescription
1. Firstly check what type of prescription you’ve been given (private, dentist,
practice nurse etc.)
2. Next look at the patient’s key information which must all be present
3. Their full name (can ask them to clarify the prescription is for them)
4. Their full address including postcode
4.1 Ask if any of their personal details have changed (Could update PMR if in use)
5. Lastly, their date of birth (change in procedure for those under 18 years old)
5.1 For those under 18 you may need to check that the medication and dose are
suitable and an adult must sign for the medication
6. You must gather and label the medication correctly according to the
prescription given
7. The prescribers signature must be in indelible ink and match their printed
name
8. The prescribes address must be given and can be checked
9. The prescription can only be dispensed within the date given (6 months for a
standard prescription)
9.1 The prescriber might have set a specific dispensation date which must be
adhered to
10. If any of the medication information is incorrect then contact the prescriber
10.1 Some errors may be corrected over the phone (or PNC for strength or quantity)
but changes in medication may require a new prescription
