Prescribing medication in 2013: Legal aspects

摘要

Aim: To describe the legal framework of medicine prescription in France in 2013. Methods: With the assistance of lawyer and forensic pathologist, consultation (legifrance.gouv.fr), analysis, summary of French laws and rules surrounding drugs prescriptions to humans for medical purpose. Results: Free medicine prescription is an essential feature of a doctor's action. To prescribe involve his responsibility at 3levels: deontological, civilian and penal. Aim of the rules of medicine prescription is to preserve patient's safety and health. Doctors are encouraged to refer to recommendations and peer-reviewed publication every time the prescriptions go out of the case planned by law. Conclusion: Knowledge and respect of medicine prescription legal rules is essential for a good quality practice. Medical societies have a major role to improve medicine use among practitioners.