In the December Med Errors column ("Lessons from Success"), the authors omit consideration of several important safeguards against errors in chemotherapy orders. Three safeguards that we have found particularly effective in my practice setting are: Computerized chemotherapy order sets (inpatient units) and preprinted order sets (outpatient) are used for standard regimens and research protocols to help ensure completeness of orders and to reduce the likelihood of ordering errors. Each set includes, for each chemotherapeutic agent in the regimen/protocol, the dosage; the day, frequency, and rate of administration; the type and amount of administration solution; the administration sequence in relation to other agents; and blank space for the final dose. In addition, an antiemetic regimen and a hydration regimen (if appropriate) are also a part of each order set. Treatment references are readily available to both nurses and pharmacists. They include standard chemotherapy reference texts and research protocols as well as journal articles, abstracts, and outside institutional protocols when needed. Nursing and pharmacy are each independently responsible for order verification. Nursing verification is completed by two nurses, one of whom is a chemotherapy certified nurse. Verification includes the following: check the entire order against an acceptable reference (chemotherapy text or handbook that contains standard regimens, research protocol, journal article, etc.); verify that current body surface area, height, and weight are correct; verify the final dose of each drug; check rate of administration, amount, and type of solution; check the antiemetic regimen and pre- and post hydration (as appropriate), looking for omissions; if dose modification was made, discuss it with the prescriber; determine if appropriate laboratory tests are within normal parameters, based on the known organ-specific toxicity of each drug in addition to hematologic parameters, and discuss abnormal values and possible need for dose modification with the prescriber. As AJN reported in Newsline in the same issue, the importance of nurse verification (checking) of chemotherapy orders is highlighted by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute experience. Prior to the discovery of drug overdoses during a routine record review, nurses were not required to check chemotherapy orders against protocols. Now, following investigations and recommendations by two committees, two nurses check all chemotherapy orders and compare them with protocols. Constance T. Donovan, RN, MSN, CS Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist; Yale New Haven Hospital; New Haven, CT