What must a verbal order for refills include?

A verbal order for refills must include both the date and the time in order to ensure accurate record-keeping and accountability in the pharmacy. This information is critical because it provides a comprehensive understanding of when the refill request was made, which can be important for tracking medication usage, ensuring patient safety, and complying with legal and regulatory requirements.

In many jurisdictions, including New York, the pharmacy must document not only the order itself but also when it was received. This is especially important in cases where medications may have specific time-sensitive instructions or limitations related to refills. By documenting the date and time, it helps to prevent medication errors and keeps a clear record of interactions with the prescribing professional.

Including only the date, just the initials of the pharmacist, or solely the name of the authorizing practitioner does not provide sufficient information to accurately capture and manage the medication refill process. Each of these pieces of information is important, but without both the date and time specifically, the pharmacy may face challenges in complying with legal obligations or ensuring patient safety.