Pharmacists play an important role in patient safety. However, like any profession, mistakes can happen.
In Pennsylvania, pharmacist negligence may lead to a license suspension or serious disciplinary action. If you’re facing an investigation, it’s important to understand what types of errors can raise red flags.
Below are some crucial points to consider.
Dispensing the wrong medication
One of the most common forms of pharmacist negligence involves giving a patient the wrong drug. This can happen due to misreading a prescription, selecting the wrong product or failing to double-check similar drug names. Even a small error can cause serious harm and result in a complaint to the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy.
Failure to advise patients
Pharmacists in Philadelphia are required to advise patients on new prescriptions. Failing to provide important information about side effects, dosage or interactions may be considered negligent. If a patient is harmed because they weren’t warned about how to take a medication properly, the pharmacist may face disciplinary action.
Improper supervision of pharmacy staff
Pharmacists are responsible for the actions of pharmacy technicians and interns working under their supervision. Allowing unlicensed staff to perform restricted tasks or failing to properly review their work can lead to accusations of negligence. This is especially true if a patient is injured as a result.
If you’re under investigation for pharmacist negligence, it’s important to protect your license. Losing your license means you will no longer be able to work. However, accusations do not necessarily amount to guilt. You are entitled to due process in law.
Seek legal guidance to find out more about protecting your rights and career.
