California is 1st state to require pharmacists to report errors

California is the first state to require pharmacists to report every prescription mistake.

Advertisement

On Oct. 8, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1286, called the Stop Dangerous Pharmacies Act, which allows pharmacists-in-charge at retail locations to create staffing level rules. This provision is intended to “ensure sufficient personnel are present in the pharmacy to prevent fatigue, distraction or other conditions that may interfere with a pharmacist’s ability to practice competently and safely,” the law says. 

The law compels pharmacies to report all medication errors to the state board within two weeks of realizing the mistake. The reports — which could include the wrong patient, dose or direction — will be confidential. 

Outpatient hospital pharmacies are not required to report drug errors that are defined as adverse events, the law says.

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit

Advertisement

Next Up in Pharmacy

Advertisement

Comments are closed.