The California State Board of Pharmacy is investigating whether pandemic-related workforce issues have contributed to a major increase in reported pharmacy errors since 2019, according to NBC affiliate KNTV.
In fiscal year 2018-19, the board launched 138 investigations after receiving complaints of pharmacy errors that caused patient harm, according to documents KNTV obtained through a public records request. In fiscal year 2020-21, this figure jumped to 367 investigations.
Pandemic-related stressors have worsened existing pharmacy staff shortages and magnified burnout among pharmacists, causing many to voice concerns about being more susceptible to making medication errors amid such heavy workloads.
The California pharmacy board declined KNTV's request for an interview but said it created a committee to investigate the rise in errors. The committee met on Jan. 27 and has follow-up meetings scheduled for April 20, July 13 and Sept. 14. Once these meetings are completed, the committee will present its findings and potential solutions to reduce errors to the pharmacy board.
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