Standard Medication Administration Times (SMAT)

When a new medication order is placed,  pharmacy approves the order and assigns the schedule based on standard medication administration times (SMATs).

MGH 50% Rule For most administration frequencies, the first dose automatically comes due unless there is a specific date and start time ordered. The second dose is scheduled for the next SMAT, unless the first dose was given close to that time. "Close" is defined by the MGH 50% rule to mean that less than half of the interval between doses remains. For example, with a Q6 hour frequency, when the first dose is given and less than 3 hours remain before the next SMAT, the next SMAT is skipped, and the second dose is due at the following time (more than 6 hours between, but less than 9).  Subsequent doses are scheduled based on the SMAT for the selected frequency.

For select frequencies, the Routine start time option bases the time of the first dose on the SMAT for the selected frequency and the 50% rule. The frequencies affected are these:

  • AC

  • AC + HS

  • BID

  • BID AC

  • PC

  • PC + HS

  • QAM

  • QAM before breakfast

  • QD

  • QHS

  • QID

  • QID (AC+HS)

  • QPM

  • QPM before supper

  • TID

Routine Orders at Q24H For orders with Q24H frequency and Routine start time, written in the first 30 minutes of the hour, the administration time is set automatically to the top of the next hour; when written in the last 30 minutes of the hour, the administration time is set automatically to the top of the next hour plus 1. For example, the administration time for a Q24H Routine order written between 05:00 and 05:30 is set to 06:00; the same order written between 5:31 and 5:59 is set to 07:00.