Any faxed new prescription order that is not signed must be treated as which type of order?

A faxed prescription order that is not signed must be treated as a verbal order due to the absence of a physical signature, which is typically required for written prescriptions. In the context of pharmacy and medication orders, an unsigned fax does not meet the criteria for a written order, as it lacks the necessary authentication that a signature provides. Therefore, it is treated similarly to a verbal order, where the prescriber communicates the medication directly, often allowing for immediate processing but without the formality of written documentation.

This classification is crucial in ensuring proper handling and verification of prescriptions to maintain patient safety and comply with regulatory standards. Other types of orders, such as electronic orders, would require specific electronic authentication, which is also not applicable here due to the lack of a signature. An original order typically refers to a prescription that is physically signed and presented as a valid document, which does not apply in this situation either.