Verbal and Telephone Orders

Colorado law regarding the authentication of verbal and telephone orders has changed. Based on these changes, The Medical Center of Aurora’s policy for Communication of Telephone or Verbal Orders has changed. The following is now required:

• All orders should be dated, timed and signed
• Verbal orders should be used only in emergency situations
•  Verbal orders should be signed following the resolution of the emergency
• All telephone and verbal orders must be written on the appropriate form by the appropriate personnel, read back to the prescribing practitioner and indicate VO (Verbal Order) or TO (Telephone Order), note date, time, practitioner name/title, and first initial, last name and title of authorized individual receiving the order
• Telephone orders should be signed as soon as possible but not exceed 30 days post discharge
• Verbal or telephone orders for Mental Health holds, DNR/limited DNR, Investigational drugs and Cancer Chemotherapy are not acceptable.

A copy of the updated Policy/Procedure (Policy #TX 331) regarding Telephone and Verbal Orders  may be obtained by contacting Medical Staff Services at 303-695-2604.