HB 2798-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares a need to bring about greater safety for patients in this state who depend on prescription drugs.

     Declares that a "legible prescription" means a prescription or medication order issued by a practitioner that is capable of being read and understood by the pharmacist filling the prescription or the nurse or other practitioner implementing the medication order.

     Provides that, in consultation with the board of pharmacy and professional licensing boards of providers with prescribing authority, the department will develop recommendations on methods for reducing medication errors including:  (1) Increasing prescription legibility;

     (2) minimizing confusion in prescription drug labeling and packaging;

     (3) developing medication error reporting plans;

     (4) encouraging hospitals and health care organizations to implement proven medication safety practices, including the use of automated drug-ordering systems;

     (5) reducing confusion created by similar-sounding drug names; and

     (6) increasing patient education on the medications they are prescribed.

     Requires the department to submit its recommendations to the legislature by December 31, 2000.