Final answer:
Prescriptions must be written in ink, indelible pencil, or printed to ensure clarity and avoid errors. This requirement helps to ensure patient safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
In medicine, prescriptions must be written in ink, indelible pencil, or printed. This is to ensure that the prescription is clear and legible, preventing any potential errors or misunderstandings when the pharmacist reads it. Using ink, indelible pencil, or printed ensures that the prescription can be easily read and understood by all parties involved.
For example, if a prescription is written in pencil or a fading ink, the prescription may be difficult to read or may even become illegible over time, especially if it gets wet or smudged. This can lead to mistakes in dispensing medication, which can have serious consequences for the patient.
By requiring prescriptions to be written in ink, indelible pencil, or printed, healthcare professionals can ensure patient safety by minimizing the risk of misinterpretation or errors in medication dispensing.