»  Ask the patient to come back for review the next day, in case you have examined him hurriedly or if you are not sure about the diagnosis/ treatment.

»  Mention “diagnosis under review” until the diagnosis is finally settled.

»  In complicated cases record precisely the history of illness and substantial physical findings about the patient on your prescription.

»  If the patient/ attendants are erring on any count make a note of it or seek written refusal preferably in the local language with a proper witness.

»  Mention the condition of the patient in specific/objective terms. Avoid vague/ non-specific terminology.

»  Record history of drug allergy.

»  Write the names of drugs.

»  Use correct dosages (by revising knowledge periodically) and mention the method and interval of administration.

»  If a drug is a poison (e.g., certain local applications), warn in writing.

»  Mention additional precautions, e.g., meals, rest, fending off certain drugs, allergens, alcohol, smoking, and many others., if indicated.

»  Instruct the patient in comprehensible terms, making sure that the patient understands both the instructions and the importance of strictly adhering to them.

»  Mention likely side-effects, and action to be taken if they occur.

»  Always advise the patient not to stop taking a drug suddenly which is required to be tapered before it is stopped.

»  Remember major drug interactions.

»  Specifically mention review, SOS/or follow-up schedule.

»  Prescribe with caution during pregnancy/ lactation.

»  Mention if the patient/ attendant is/ is under the effect of alcohol/ drugs.

»  Adjust doses in case of a child/ elderly patient and renal or Hepatic disorders.

»  In case of chronic ailments, mention treatment to be taken immediately in case of an emergency.

»  In case of any deviation from standard care, mention the reasons.

»  Mention whether the prognosis is explained.

»  take the signature of the patient/ attendant, after explaining the prognosis in written local language.

»  Mention where the patient should contact in case of your non-availability/ emergency.

»  Whenever referring a patient, provide him with a referring note.

»  In case of emergency/ serious illness, ring up the concerned doctor in the patient’s presence.

»  Update your knowledge and skills from time to time.

»  Update the facilities and equipment according to prevailing current standards in your area.

»  Employ qualified assistants.

»  Medication to relieve pain, especially in post-operative and cancer cases must be carried out carefully.

»  Always obtain legally valid consent before undertaking surgical/ diagnostic procedures.

»  In the case of MTP/ Sterilization, always follow the guidelines issued by the Government of India.

»  While administering an injection/vaccination always check.

»  It is not unusual for a broken needle to leak to a claim for compensation.

»  Routinely advise X-rays in injury to bones and joints and related diseases of bones/ joints.

»  Always read reports carefully interpret the results of tests/ X-rays properly and make a note of it.

»  Always seek proper medico-legal and legal advice before filing a reply to the complainant referred to you from a consumer /civil/criminal court.