California Legislators Pass Landmark Bill to Improve Pharmacy Safety
California legislators have taken a groundbreaking step to address the issue of understaffed chain pharmacies and reduce medication dispensing errors. The bill, known as the “Stop Dangerous Pharmacies Act,” has passed both the Senate and the Assembly and is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature.
The legislation grants authority to the pharmacist-in-charge to make staffing decisions and requires store management to take immediate action to resolve any conditions that pose a risk to customers’ health. Additionally, the California State Board of Pharmacy is empowered to close pharmacies that fail to address these conditions.
The bill also mandates that chain pharmacies have dedicated staff members responsible for pharmacy-related services and allows trained technicians to administer vaccinations and collect specimens under supervision. Furthermore, it requires pharmacies to report medication errors and mandates self-assessments for consulting pharmacists every two years.
An elderly customer leaves a CVS Pharmacy in Irvine, California, on Feb. 11, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
Assemblyman Matt Haney, the bill’s author, addressed concerns raised during hearings and emphasized the importance of empowering pharmacy staff. He stated, “Recent news reports have highlighted alarming medication errors in this setting, including errors that have led to death. The root cause of medication errors in the community chain setting can be tied to pharmacy working conditions, like insufficient staffing, unsanitary conditions, or lack of autonomy to make clinical decisions in the best interest of the patient.”
The need for this legislation is evident, as major retailers like Walmart and CVS have announced store closures and reduced pharmacy hours due to staffing shortages. Surveys have shown that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have experienced difficulties in filling positions and have cited workload and staffing shortages as reasons for leaving the profession.
The bill has garnered support from the California Pharmacists Association and the United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council, who believe it will enhance patient safety and address working condition issues. However, the California Community Pharmacy Coalition opposes the bill, expressing concerns about its potential impact on patient access to pharmacies.
A person with a mask shops at CVS in Los Angeles, California on March 31, 2020. (Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images)
With the passage of this landmark bill, California is taking a significant step towards improving pharmacy safety and ensuring the well-being of its residents.
How does the legislation enhance accountability in chain pharmacies and incentivize them to prioritize patient safety
That7has been linked to under-staffing and a lack of oversight in chain pharmacies. With the passing of this bill, California aims to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents when it comes to accessing medication.
The “Stop Dangerous Pharmacies Act” allows the pharmacist-in-charge to make decisions regarding staffing levels in chain pharmacies. This provision acknowledges the critical role of pharmacists in ensuring that customers receive the right medications and proper guidance. By granting authority to the pharmacist-in-charge, the bill aims to address the issue of under-staffing, which can lead to medication errors and compromised patient safety.
Additionally, the legislation requires store management to take immediate action to resolve any conditions that pose a risk to customers’ health. This provision emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in addressing potential hazards in pharmacies. Store management is now obligated to address any conditions or practices that could endanger the health and well-being of customers.
To further strengthen patient safety measures, the California State Board of Pharmacy is empowered to close pharmacies that fail to address these conditions. This provision ensures that failing pharmacies are held accountable for their actions and incentivizes them to prioritize the well-being of their customers. The power to close pharmacies serves as a deterrent against neglectful practices and encourages pharmacies to uphold high standards of safety and quality.
Moreover, the bill mandates that chain pharmacies have dedicated staff members responsible for pharmacy-related services. This provision recognizes the need for specialized roles within the pharmacy setting, ensuring that customers receive adequate attention and care. Dedicated staff members will be responsible for various pharmacy services, such as prescription fulfillment and patient consultations.
In a positive move towards expanded healthcare services, the bill also allows trained technicians to administer vaccinations and collect specimens under supervision. This provision aims to alleviate the burden on pharmacists and streamline the delivery of important healthcare services. By utilizing trained technicians, pharmacies can increase efficiency and accessibility while maintaining the necessary oversight for these procedures.
Furthermore, the bill requires pharmacies to report medication errors and mandates self-assessments for consulting pharmacists every two years. This measure promotes transparency and accountability within the pharmacy profession. By reporting errors, pharmacies can thoroughly investigate the causes and implement corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Self-assessments for consulting pharmacists ensure that professionals regularly evaluate and improve their own practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Overall, the passing of the “Stop Dangerous Pharmacies Act” in California represents a significant step towards improving pharmacy safety. By addressing the issues of under-staffing, proactive risk management, and increased accountability, the bill aims to enhance patient safety and ensure that Californians have access to safe and effective medication. Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature will solidify this groundbreaking legislation, setting an important precedent for other states to follow in prioritizing pharmacy safety and patient well-being.
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