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Legal Pearl

Is Writing an Illegible Prescription Medical Malpractice?

Ann W. Latner, JD

  • At an appointment in May 2012, a patient being treated for hypothyroidism was given a prescription by his physician. The patient’s medication was supposed to be 200 micrograms, but the prescription was written and filled for 25 micrograms. The patient contends that because the prescription’s dosage was unclear, the patient suffered injuries as a result. The patient sued the physician (among others) in May 2015.

    Was the doctor negligent or did he perform medical malpractice?

    (Answer and discussion on the next page)