ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, August 8, 1996 TAG: 9608080033
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SANDRA BROWN KELLY STAFF WRITER
THE STATE PHARMACY BOARD worries overworked pharmacists may be making potentially deadly mistakes.
Shoppers might have noticed that in some drugstores pharmacists do more than concoct prescriptions. The white-coated professionals answer phones and ring up sales of everything from dog food to magazines.
But has this affected their work? Are we getting the drugs our doctors ordered?
The State Board of Pharmacy wants answers to questions like these. The board today begins a series of public hearings at which pharmacists and residents can discuss concerns about workplace conditions, said Elizabeth Scott Russell, the board's executive director.
A hearing is scheduled in Roanoke Aug. 27.
The board received complaints that pharmacists' workloads have increased so much they were making more mistakes in filling prescriptions, Russell said. A certain number of errors have always occurred, but some board members are concerned the number is rising, she said.
"But, it's a gut feeling. There is no data," Russell said.
Despite a lack of statistics on error rates, the board was sufficiently concerned to appoint a committee to conduct the hearings, she said. Speakers will have up to five minutes and may submit written comments. Pharmacists will be asked to discuss how work practices affect consumers.
The Roanoke hearing will be at Roanoke Airport Marriott Hotel in Salon D at 1 p.m. Aug. 27.Written comments may be sent to the board through Sept. 13 at 6606 West Broad St., Suite 400, Richmond 23230-1717. The Board of Pharmacy can be reached at (804) 662-9911.
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