(ANSI: Washington, D.C.) -- Filling a prescription is faster and more convenient than ever thanks to a new standard from ANSI-accredited standards developer the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs Inc. Providing general guidelines for developers of pharmacy or physician management systems, ANSI/NCPDP SC V10.1-2007, SCRIPT Standard Implementation Guide, addresses the electronic transmission of new prescriptions, prescription refill requests, prescription fill status notifications, and cancellation notifications.
Pharmacists sometimes need to interpret a doctor’s handwriting, but prescription labels are always clear and easy to read thanks to a standard from ASTM International. ASTM D6398-01e1—"Standard Practice to Enhance Identification of Drug Names on Labels," covers shape, size, color, layout, typeface, and barcode issues to ensure legibility and consistency for all prescription drugs.Innocent curiosity can quickly become dangerous if children are able to access pill bottles and syrups. Another standard from ANSI-accredited standards developer ASTM International provides test methods for child-resistant caps and lids. ASTM D3472-97—"Standard Test Method for Reverse-Ratchet Torque of Type IA Child-Resistant Closures," addresses the measurement of the torque produced in a typical “push down and twist” type closure.
Safe and consistent manufacturing processes play a major role in the quality and effectiveness of prescription drugs. 3-A Sanitary Standards Inc. (3-A SSI), an ANSI-accredited standards developer, has a number of standards currently under development to address equipment materials and terminology for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. This work is being led by a new steering committee, dubbed the P3-A Council, operating under the umbrella of 3-A SSI with a particular focus on chemical manufacturing equipment standards and formulation/fill/finish equipment standards.
Voluntary standards and compliance programs ensure the safety and clarity of drug packaging, labeling, and pharmaceutical equipment, allowing pharmacists to focus their attention on the well-being of their patients. Standards also provide guidance during the billing process. ANSI/NCPDP FB V1.0-2005—"Formulary and Benefit Standard," provides a means for health plans and pharmacy benefit managers to communicate needed information to prescribers using technological vendor systems.
For more information visit www.ansi.org/news_publications/news_story.aspx?menuid=7&articleid=1618
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