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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	December 20, 2023 10:18 AM
From:	Representative Manuel Guzman, Jr.
To:	All House members
Subject:	Reducing Medication Errors and Improving Patient Safety

Recently, the alarming occurrence of a medication error was brought to my attention. Didier Epopa, a patient at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, was issued incorrect medication causing his body to seize and tightened muscles. A report following the issuance of the incorrect medication found that an unsupervised pharmacy technician intern at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital wrongly labeled the IV bag containing the medicine. Medication errors can have lasting serious consequences for patients including death, hospitalization, disability, or birth defects. However, too often medication errors are not reported appropriately and action after the occurrence of the error is not taken.   It is critical that Pennsylvania’s policymakers are aware of medication errors. For this reason, I am introducing a package of legislation with the goals of gaining a better understanding of medication errors and preventing the occurrence of these errors. The first bill in this package would direct the Joint State Government Commission to study medication errors in the Commonwealth and issue recommendations on reducing medication errors and improving patient safety. The other bill in this package would require medication error prevention training for all pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy technician trainees.   Medication errors can be prevented during all steps of the process of prescribing and administering medicine. Please join me in ensuring the reduction of medication errors and improved patient safety by supporting this package of legislation.

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Document #1

Description:	This legislation would direct the Joint State Government Commission to study medication errors in the Commonwealth and issue recommendations on reducing medication errors and improving patient safety.

Document #2

Description:	This legislation would require medication error prevention training for all pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy technician trainees.