Pennsylvania HB 1280: An Act amending the act of September 27, 1961 (P.L.1700, No.699), known as the Pharmacy Act, providing for medication error prevention training.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1452
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1280
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY GUZMAN, HILL-EVANS, SANCHEZ, RIVERA AND CEPEDA-
FREYTIZ, APRIL 22, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, APRIL 22, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of September 27, 1961 (P.L.1700, No.699),
entitled "An act relating to the regulation of the practice
of pharmacy, including the sales, use and distribution of
drugs and devices at retail; and amending, revising,
consolidating and repealing certain laws relating thereto,"
providing for medication error prevention training.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of September 27, 1961 (P.L.1700, No.699),
known as the Pharmacy Act, is amended by adding a section to
read:
Section 3.5. Medication Error Prevention Training.--(a) The
board shall develop a medication error prevention training
program for licensed pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and
pharmacy technician trainees.
(b) The medication error prevention training program
established under subsection (a) shall:
(1) Be conducted by a board-approved instructor.
(2) Utilize a board-approved written curriculum and
examination.
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(3) Cover the following topics:
(i) The role, responsibilities and performance of the
prescribing physician in the medication administration process.
(ii) The rights of the individual regarding accepting or
refusing medications.
(iii) Categories of medications , including effects
associated with each category .
(iv) Effective management of poisoning or medication
overdose.
(v) Storage and disposal of medications.
(vi) Communications with individuals or guardians, if
applicable, about the individual's medications.
(vii) The six principles of medication administration,
including:
(A) The correct medication.
(B) The correct dosage of the medication.
(C) The medication to the correct individual.
(D) The medication at the correct time.
(E) The medication to the individual by the correct method.
(F) The accurate documentation.
(4) Include a medication error prevention examination that
requires the demonstration of the requisite knowledge and skills
of medication error prevention.
(c) An instructor shall issue a certification for the
completion of the training program established under subsection
(a) to an individual if the individual:
(1) Successfully completes the medication error prevention
training program.
(2) Scores 80% or higher on the examination under subsection
(b)(4).
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(3) Demonstrates knowledge of the following pertaining to
administering medications:
(i) The name of the medication.
(ii) The reason for the medication's use.
(iii) Any side effects or adverse reactions.
(iv) Any special instructions for the medication such as
giving certain fluids, checking pulse rate or monitoring blood
levels.
(d) Each pharmacist, pharmacy technician and pharmacy
technician trainee shall take part in the medication error
prevention training annually.
(e) A pharmacist who has been licensed in this Commonwealth
for less than five years must obtain a certificate of completion
in accordance with subsection (c) twice each year until the
pharmacist has been licensed in this Commonwealth for a total of
five years.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 180 days.
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