| Official Do Not Use List |
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| JCAHO Abbreviation NO-NOs |
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The Board of Pharmacy recently identified a prescription error caused by the use of problem abbreviations used on prescriptions and orders, and suggested that the Oregon Medical Board make The Joint Commission’s “Official Do Not Use List ” known to its licensees. The error occurred due to the use of the abbreviation “QD”, but included an accidental pen mark above and between the two letters, leading to the dispensing of the medication with directions to take it 4 times a day. The medication involved caused the patient’s significant side effects.
The Joint Commission’s Do Not Use List can be found using the following link: http://www.jointcommission.org/PatientSafety/DoNotUseList/ . The list is divided into two sections. The first is the Official “Do Not Use” List, and the second is Additional Abbreviations, Acronyms and Symbols (For possible future inclusion in the Official “Do Not Use” List). The danger of each symbol or abbreviation is explained and the acceptable alternative is given. The actual “Do Not Use” list is a requirement of The Joint Commission for any facility that The Commission reviews at intervals.
Licensees of The Oregon Medical Board are encouraged to follow the requirements and suggestions writing prescriptions.
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