Medication Order Start Time & Administration Options

This article explains how Start Time selections and specific order options affect when medications appear on the MAR and how they can be administered. 

Please Note: 

  • Start Time behavior varies based on frequency type.
  • Clock icons indicate system-driven scheduling.
  • Documentation-only selections do not impact MAR administration timing unless explicitly stated above.

Start Time Dropdown Options

Today | Tomorrow | Other

These options define when the order itself begins.

PRN Frequencies

  • The selected start time determines when PRN administrations become available on the MAR.
  • This is the point at which PRN doses may first be administered.

Frequencies With a Clock Icon

(e.g., In the morning, In the evening, Twice weekly)

  • The start time is documentation only and indicates when the order begins.
  • It does not control MAR administration timing.
  • The clock icon and selected frequency determine when the medication appears on the MAR for administration.

Recurring Time-Based Frequencies Without a Clock Icon

(e.g., Every 48 hours, Every 72 hours, Every 2 hours, Every 4 hours; PRN not included in the frequency name)

  • The time entered determines when the order will appear on the MAR.
  • This time directly drives medication administration availability.

Standing – Administered Once

This is the only option that allows an order to be backdated on the MAR.

  • Marks the medication as already administered
  • Can be used to document one administration only
  • Creates a one-time order
  • This is the only method to document a medication that was administered in the past

Now + Scheduled

  • Allows the medication to be administered on the MAR immediately at the time the order is signed
  • Continues administration according to the selected frequency schedule going forward