"Expired" in Medical Records: Two Distinct Meanings

1. Expired Medications

Medications past their expiration date may lose potency or safety. An "EXP" notation in records indicates an expired dosage form or quantity in pharmacy stock.

2. Deceased Patient

In clinical notes, "expired" is a formal term meaning the patient has died (e.g., "Patient expired at 14:32").

Context Is Key

Pharmacy/inventory context → medications. Clinical/administrative context → patient death. Always verify from surrounding documentation.