A Physician-Patient Relationship Is Required for Prescribing Drugs
Physicians, surgeons, and osteopaths must establish a proper physician-patient relationship before being able to prescribe drugs to an individual. S.C. Code Ann. Section 40-47-113. Prescribing drugs outside a proper physician-patient relationship constitutes unprofessional conduct.
A proper physician-patient relationship requires that the licensee:
1) make an informed medical judgment based on the circumstances of the situation and the licensee's training and experience;
2) personally perform and document a history and physical examination of the patient;
3) make a diagnosis;
4) formulate a therapeutic plan;
5) discuss with the patient the diagnosis and evidence of it;
6) note the risks and benefits of different treatment options;
7) be available to patient for, or ensure that the patient gets, follow-up care.
Nevertheless, sometimes the licensee may prescribe drugs to a patient whom the licensee has not personally examined. Examples include situations when the licensee: writes an admission order for a newly hospitalized patient, proscribes for another licensee for whom the prescriber is taking call, prescribes for a patient who has been examined by a licensed advance practice registered nurse or another qualified person, or continues medication for a new patient before the patient has the first appointment.
Lastly, the licensee would act unprofessionally if he or she would prescribe drugs to a individual solely based on answers to some questions and without personally examining the individual.
This site and any information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek a competent attorney for advice on any legal matter.
Posted by Ryan McCabe at 2/5/2009 8:05 AM 
Categories: Surgeons,Osteopaths,Physician-Patient Relationship,Physicians
Categories: Surgeons,Osteopaths,Physician-Patient Relationship,Physicians
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