Contents - Volume 6, No. 4

News from the NYS Department of Health

Various changes have occurred on the state level that are reflected in this lead article. Prescribers in hospitals have used clinical pathways for years in prescribing medications for their patients. The Bureau of Controlled Substance has issued new guidelines concerning these clinical protocols. Electronic transmission of patient and prescription information regarding Official New York State Prescriptions is discussed along with the NYS Medicaid requirements on electronic prescriptions.

Negligence Law and Pharmacy Practice

Although this is the fourth in a series of continuing education articles that will appear in Pharmacy Law this year, this is the first to deal with pharmacy malpractice. Written by Karl Williams, an attorney and pharmacist in Ticonderoga, NY, this article deals with the pharmacist's duty when interacting with patients. Mr. Williams explains the process of malpractice suits and the pharmacist's responsibility in patient care. The next few issues of the newsletter, dealing with pharmacy issues involving negligence, malpractice and liability, are a direct result of our readership survey in 1998.

Changes from the Drug Enforcement Administration

In July 1999, the DEA filed final rules regarding both MarinolR and KetalarR changing their status under the Federal Controlled Substance Act.

Mailbag

• Is there a law regarding the minimum age of a pharmacy technician?
• Are the pharmacist initials required on the computer-generated labels in a pharmacy?
• If a patient presents an Official New York State Prescription for Ritalin 10mg #90, but only wants #60, is this allowed?