Who must sign verbal orders given in a hospital setting?

In a hospital setting, verbal orders are typically given by a physician to ensure that the patient's care plan is communicated effectively. It is essential for a physician to sign off on these verbal orders to provide accountability and maintain the integrity of the medical record. The physician's signature serves as a formal confirmation that they have reviewed and approved the treatment or medication being prescribed. This process helps ensure that there is clear documentation of the physician's orders in the patient's chart, which is vital for ongoing patient care.

While nurses and pharmacists play important roles in executing and processing these orders, their signatures are not typically required for the verification of the verbal orders. Family members of the patient do not have the authority to approve or sign medical orders, as they are not medically trained professionals involved in the patient's direct care. Therefore, the physician's signature is crucial for establishing the legitimacy of verbal orders in a hospital environment.