Year: 2009
Resolution Number: 80
Action Taken: Approved as Amended
Status:
Author(s): Barbara Meyer Lucas, MD
Sponsor: Joseph Mark Tuthill , MD
On behalf of: Wayne County Delegation
Committee: D (Public Health)
Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS encourage physicians to include, as appropriate, the purpose or indication for the medication in the “Sig” portion of prescriptions they write to help improve patient safety, understanding, and compliance unless the patient objects to having this information on the label. REFERENCE COMMITTEE RATIONALE: The Committee heard testimony in favor of the intent of this resolution, and also heard concerns that it may not be appropriate in every single case. The Committee amended the resolution to provide discretion on the part of physicians as to when this additional information is appropriate. The Committee also deleted the second resolved as it reflects existing AMA policy and efforts of the AMA Foundation regarding health literacy.
RESOLVED: That MSMS encourage physicians to include, as appropriate, the purpose or indication for the medication in the “Sig” portion of prescriptions they write to help improve patient safety, understanding, and compliance unless the patient objects to having this information on the label. REFERENCE COMMITTEE RATIONALE: The Committee heard testimony in favor of the intent of this resolution, and also heard concerns that it may not be appropriate in every single case. The Committee amended the resolution to provide discretion on the part of physicians as to when this additional information is appropriate. The Committee also deleted the second resolved as it reflects existing AMA policy and efforts of the AMA Foundation regarding health literacy.
Fiscal Note: NULL
Resolution: View PDF for Improving Patients’ Understanding of Prescription Medication