When most people think of a pharmacy error, they think of a retail pharmacist providing the wrong drug to a patient who then takes it up to the register, checks out, and goes home to take the medication in their own home. However, this only accounts for a portion of the prescriptions that are filled each day in the United States. In fact, countless other prescriptions are provided to hospital patients and nursing home residents.
Unlike prescriptions filled at a retail pharmacy, prescriptions that are filled in a hospital have a few added layers of protection in place to prevent against the patient being provided the wrong medication. For example, after a doctor writes a prescription to a hospital patient, and the pharmacy fills the prescription, a nurse must obtain the medication and deliver it to the patient. This is a critical role that allows for the nurse to act as a final line of defense against serious or fatal prescription errors.
However, despite all the precautions in the world, sometimes errors will occur. When a prescription error does occur, it may result in very serious injuries or even death in some cases. Under Maryland law, the victims of these mistakes can look to the legal system for help through a pharmacy error lawsuit.
Nurses Focusing on Training to Prevent Pharmacy Errors
Some nursing schools are beginning to implement new training programs that reflect the nurses’ role as a safeguard against pharmacy errors. According to one industry news source, the training focuses not only on educating the nurses about their role in the medication delivery process but also on providing some substantive knowledge about drug interactions and other potential problems that can give rise to a medication error.
It remains to be seen if other schools across the country will follow suit. However, the fact that at least a few schools acknowledge a nurse’s role in the medication delivery process may likely mean that the responsibility will spread throughout the industry. If this is the case, patients across the country have an additional safeguard in place to prevent serious medication errors.
Have You Been Injured by a Pharmacist’s Negligence?
If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of a pharmacist’s negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Depending on the seriousness of your injuries and the nature of the error, you may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you endured as a result. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney at the personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers. Calling is free, and you will not incur any obligation by calling. You won’t be billed at all for our services unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
More Blog Posts:
Recalled Drugs and Pharmacy Liability, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, January 4, 2016.
The Ease of Obtaining an Opioid Prescription, Even After an Overdose, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, January 18, 2016.