Interim Guidance Regarding Authentication of Physician Orders Memo

PDF Version of DQA 07-013 (PDF, 22 KB)

Interim Guidance Regarding Authentication of Physician Orders Memo

On March 13, 2007 the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) issued memo 07-004, Authentication of Physician Orders in Hospitals. Page three, paragraph two of that memo discussed advance practice nurse prescribers (APNPs) and restrictions on verbal orders.

This paragraph was not intended to indicate that an APNP could not give verbal orders in all cases. Unfortunately that paragraph has been interpreted that APNPs cannot issue verbal orders.

DQA is seeking further clarification from the Board of Nursing and intends to issue a clarification of the paragraph in question as soon as possible.

In the interim please disregard the following paragraph on APNP verbal orders in memo OQA 07-004 http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Publications/07-004.htm until further notice.

In Wisconsin, the only registered nurses who may write hospital orders are advanced practice nurse prescribers (APNP). The Department of Regulation and Licensing interpretation of the authority of APNPs is that such individuals may issue an order for medications verbally or in writing directly to the hospital pharmacy. The APNP may not give the order verbally to an RN, LPN, ward clerk, or administrative assistant to either call the order in to the pharmacy or write the order in the medical record for conveyance to the pharmacy.

If you have additional questions or concerns please contact Doug Englebert, Pharmacy Consultant at 608 266-5388.

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