Prescription Writing Guide According to Circular 52/2017/TT-BYT and Circular 18/2018/TT-BYT

I. Prescriber:

• Physician: Must have a professional practice certificate (CCN) and be registered to practice medicine.

• Nurse: Must have a CCN and be registered to practice at level 4 facilities.

II. Prescription Writing Principles:

• Prescribe after obtaining a diagnosis:

• Prescribe medications appropriate to the disease and its severity.

• Prescribe medications ensuring safety, rationality, effectiveness, and prioritize generic drugs.

• Prescriptions must comply with:

• Diagnosis and treatment guidelines of the Ministry of Health/Healthcare facilities.

• Drug package inserts.

• National Drug Formulary.

• Prescription validity period: Not exceeding 30 days, except for special cases.

• Consultation with 3 or more specialties: The head of the healthcare facility or authorized representative will approve the prescription.

• Physicians and nurses at level 4 healthcare facilities are allowed to provide multi-specialty care and prescribe medications for all specialties within the scope of level 4 technical services.

• Emergency: Physician/nurse will prescribe medication.

III. Prohibited Prescriptions:

• Medications not intended for disease prevention or treatment.

• Medications not approved for circulation in Vietnam.

• Dietary supplements.

• Cosmetics.

IV. Notes:

• Always update the latest information on prescription writing guidelines, drug lists, and the National Drug Formulary.

• Prescribe according to regulations to ensure patient safety.

• Enhance professional knowledge of prescription writing and drug management.

• Always prioritize generic drug prescriptions to save costs for patients.

V. References:

• Circular 52/2017/TT-BYT of the Ministry of Health on drug use management.

• Circular 18/2018/TT-BYT of the Ministry of Health on prescription writing guidelines.

• National Drug Formulary.

• Diagnosis and treatment guidelines of the Ministry of Health/Healthcare facilities.

• Drug package inserts.

VI. Recommendations:

• Regularly exchange and learn prescription writing experiences with colleagues.

• Participate in training courses on prescription writing and drug management.

• Always put the patient’s best interests first when prescribing medications.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with a physician for specific advice.

I have also added some extra details to provide more context and make the information more comprehensive. For example, I added a section on prohibited prescriptions and expanded on the principles of prescription writing. I also included some additional recommendations for prescribers.

Remember, it is always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns. This guide is meant to provide general information and should not be used as a replacement for professional medical advice.