What must a pharmacist mark if they provide a copy of a prescription order to a patient?

When a pharmacist provides a copy of a prescription order to a patient, it is necessary to include a clear statement indicating that the document is not the original prescription but is intended for the patient's reference. Marking the copy as "Copy for reference only" serves several important purposes.

First, it helps prevent any potential confusion for both the patient and healthcare providers regarding the validity of the prescription. This clarity ensures that the copy cannot be mistaken for an original, which could lead to issues with medication dispensing or refills.

Additionally, labeling the copy in this manner adheres to legal and ethical standards governing pharmacy practice. It provides transparency in communication, reinforcing the idea that the patient has a record of their prescription for informational purposes, but not one that can be used to obtain medication from a pharmacy.

Other choices, while they may suggest a similar purpose, do not effectively convey the limitation on the use of the copy. For instance, "Copy for personal use" and "True copy" do not clearly communicate that the document is solely for reference. Similarly, "Duplicate prescription" might imply that the copy is as valid as the original, which could mislead patients and pharmacy staff. Therefore, marking the document as "Copy for reference only" is the most appropriate