APN Practice and Prescriptive Authority

     Re: Prescribing APN's Name on Prescription Bottle Labels

Q:  I write prescriptions and it has come to my attention that most pharmacies put my collaborating physician's names on the label when these are filled. This is distressing to me and many of my patients. Can you tell me what the guidelines are for pharmacists?

A:  According to Title 22 §309.5 (12), Texas Administrative Code (Texas State Board of Pharmacy Rules), pharmacists must include the name of the APN signing a prescription on the label of the prescription drug bottle, as well as the delegating physician’s name. The Pharmacy Law Book also includes a Q&A explaining the legal aspects of filling prescriptions signed by an APN or PA. Click here for the Q & A. You can refer a pharmacist to either document.

With adoption of new rules early in 2002 that include APNs in the definition of “practitioner”, it is an excellent time to write a letter to local pharmacies that have not been including your name on the label. You can cite the new rule, 22 TAC § 309.2 (8)(D), and explain the difficulties created for you and your patients when your name is not included on the prescription bottle. I also recommend that you thank those pharmacies that do include your name and recommend that patients have their prescriptions filled at those pharmacies. Also recommend to patients that they request that the pharmacist include your name on the label when they have the prescription filled.
 

© 2006 Coalition for Nurses in Advance Practice
P.O. Box 5047; Austin • Texas 78763-5047 • 512-469-7882
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