What is the primary difference between a prescription and an order?

The primary difference between a prescription and an order lies in their intended use and the manner in which they are executed. A prescription is typically a written instruction from a licensed healthcare provider to a pharmacist to dispense a specific medication to a patient for self-administration. In contrast, an order is generally used within a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, and involves a direct instruction for a medication or treatment that is administered to a patient by the healthcare staff, often in a more controlled environment.

This distinction is essential because an order has the implication of immediate administration by healthcare providers rather than allowing for patient-directed use as seen with prescriptions. For example, if a healthcare professional writes an order for a medication, it means that medication will be given directly to the patient, whereas a prescription allows the patient to obtain the medication from a pharmacy to take at their own discretion.

Understanding this difference is crucial for pharmacy practice as it informs how medications are handled in different settings and what legal considerations each type requires.