When must a prescription be considered a new prescription according to regulations?

A prescription must be considered a new prescription when the written prescription diverges from the oral version because this indicates that there are significant changes to the specific details or instructions of the medication. Such discrepancies mean that what has been prescribed in writing cannot be directly substituted for the previously understood instructions, as they may involve variations in dosage, form, or even medication itself.

This differentiation is crucial as it ensures that the patient receives consistent and accurate medication as intended by the prescriber. Maintaining clear and accurate records of prescriptions is imperative for patient safety, and recognizing when a prescription constitutes a new order allows pharmacists to uphold these standards and prevent potential medication errors.

In contrast, while factors like patient requests, time lapsed since the prescription was issued, or changes in medication type might warrant further consideration, they do not inherently classify a prescription as "new." For instance, a patient might ask for a refill on their prescription without any changes, meaning it remains valid under the original terms. Similarly, a change in medication type or time elapsed does not automatically dictate the classification of a new prescription unless specific criteria are met.