When you pick up a prescription, you trust that the pharmacy is giving you the proper medication. A simple mistake behind the counter can have serious, even life-threatening consequences. In Maryland, pharmacies must follow strict guidelines to ensure that drugs are dispensed correctly and errors are reported promptly. If they fail, you have the right to hold them accountable.
A recent case from Iowa shows just how dangerous these errors can be. A Hy-Vee Pharmacy dispensed the wrong medication to a patient, giving her a different migraine drug intended for someone else. Even more troubling, the pharmacy failed to report the mistake within the required time. In Maryland, pharmacies face similar obligations to patients. An error like this could support a strong claim for compensation if it causes harm.
Understanding Pharmacy Error Responsibilities in Maryland
Under Maryland law, pharmacies must exercise a high standard of care when filling prescriptions. Pharmacists and technicians must ensure that the correct medication is dispensed, provide appropriate labeling, and counsel patients on how to use their medication safely and effectively. Maryland’s Board of Pharmacy also requires pharmacies to have systems in place for documenting and reviewing any medication errors.
In the Iowa case, it took the pharmacy five days to realize that the wrong drug had been handed out. That delay can make a bad situation even worse. In Maryland, failure to promptly report and address medication errors could violate state regulations and further expose a pharmacy to liability. A proper response means immediate notification of the patient, careful documentation, and corrective action to prevent future errors.