Statement No. 805 - Prescribing Practices
Prescribing of
medications by physicians based solely on information received
without direct patient contact fails to meet an acceptable standard
of care and is outside the bounds of professional
conduct. There is no direct patient contact when the
physician relies upon a mailed, faxed or an electronic medical
questionnaire or telephone advice to the physician.*
Counter-signing
a prescription without direct patient contact fails to meet an
acceptable standard of care and is outside the bounds of
professional conduct.
In order to
meet an acceptable standard of practice, the physician must
demonstrate that there has been:
-
a documented patient evaluation by the Manitoba physician
signing the prescription, including history and physical
examination, adequate to establish the diagnosis for which the drug
is being prescribed and identify underlying conditions and
contra-indications;
-
sufficient direct dialogue between the Manitoba physician and
patient regarding treatment options and the risks and benefits of
treatment;
-
a review of the course and efficacy of treatment to assess
therapeutic outcome, and
-
maintenance of a contemporaneous medical record that is easily
available to the Manitoba physician, the patient, and the
patient’s other health care professionals.
*An exception exists for physicians who are fulfilling
responsibility as part of a call group.
First Print Exec/01-02
|
|
A statement is a formal position of the College with
which members shall comply.
|
