The California Medical Association has joined with the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians to promote a statewide safe prescribing program for patients seen in emergency departments or urgent care facilities. The hope is that this program – motivated by the desire to reduce prescription drug abuse and drug diversion – will lead to better patient care, safer prescribing and fewer unmet expectations. 

A key portion of this program is a handout that explains safe prescribing to patients, available in both English and Spanish: Also provided are suggestions for how to communicate with patients about safe prescribing.

For more information about the safe prescribing program, visit www.californiaacep.org/safe-prescribing.