Why Do Doctors Sign Prescriptions When No One Can Verify It?
| Updated: 10 Feb 2026
This caller wondered if anyone ever checks the signature on a doctor's prescription, when they could be easily forged. James was able to answer his question pretty quickly, with a little common sense.
Question
Why do doctors sign a prescription note, when it can't really be verified?
Stuart, Bedford.
Answer
Because, someone, somewhere along the way, will be able to verify the signature. The same can be said for many other signatures.
James O'Brien, with common sense.