Section 18.64.550. Chart order as prescription—Long-term care facilities and hospice programs.

(1) A chart order must be considered a prescription if it contains:

(a) The full name of the patient;

(b) The date of issuance;

(c) The name, strength, and dosage form of the drug prescribed;

(d) Directions for use; and

(e) An authorized signature:

(i) For written orders, the order must contain the prescribing practitioner's signature or the signature of the practitioner's authorized agent, including the name of the prescribing practitioner; or

(ii) For electronic or digital orders, the order must contain the prescribing practitioner's electronic or digital signature, or the electronic or digital signature of the practitioner's authorized agent, including the name of the prescribing practitioner.

(2) A licensed nurse, pharmacist, or physician practicing in a long-term care facility or hospice program may act as the practitioner's agent for purposes of this chapter, without need for a written agency agreement, to document a chart order in the patient's medical record on behalf of the prescribing practitioner pending the prescribing practitioner's signature; or to communicate a prescription to a pharmacy whether telephonically, via facsimile, or electronically. The communication of a prescription to a dispenser by the prescriber's agent has the same force and effect as if communicated directly by the authorized practitioner.

(3) Nothing in this chapter prevents an authorized credentialed employee of a long-term care facility from transmitting a chart order pursuant to RCW 74.42.230, or transmitting a prescription on behalf of a resident to the extent otherwise authorized by law.

[ 2016 c 148 § 2.]

2016 c 148 § 2.