Pharmacist filled wrong dosage ... who has responsibility?

Question

Here's the situation:
* Doctor writes the correct prescription
* Pharmacist is unsure about the dosage and calls doctor's office to verify
* Nurse from doctor's office informs pharmacist that the doctor must have written the wrong dosage and directs the pharmacist to change it.
* Pharmacist crosses out dosage on prescription and gives incorrect dosage.

Is the pharmacist negligent by changing a written prescription? Does a nurse have the authority to change a doctor's written prescription?

Luckily, the wrong dosage was spotted before taking the medication. The dosage dispensed could have been fatal when used as originally prescribed. Other than notifying the doctor's office and the pharmacy, what else can be done?

Answer 1

First off, the nurse is responsible as she should not be changing the dosage- this is the doctor's responsibility and a nurse is not licensed to do this. Secondly, the pharmacist is also at fault, because he should know that the nurse cannot change the dosage. If you are interested in pursuing it further, it would be best to contact a lawyer. If the pharmacy was a chain, then you can also contact their main office.

Answer 2

well I would think that ultimately the pharmacist must take liability for the screw up... he should have never changed it without speaking to the actual doctor... not just the nurse. And just to confirm have the doctor fax another copy of the correct medication with the correct dosage. I can't believe a pharmacist would have changed the prescription without consulting the doctor that wrote it directly.

Answer 3

The pharmacist had no business changing the prescription. He should be fully aware that only a liscensed doctor can prescribe medication, and it is his job to ensure that the prescription is the doctor's orders. The nurse isn't legally entitled to prescribe or change a doctor's prescription.
The Doctor and Pharmacist should be disciplined by their respective colleges and the Nurse fired.

Answer 4

In this day and age, people need to take a proactive stance in thier own health and well being. If this is a medication you have been taking for a while and your doctor did not want to change the dosage than the nurse is incorrect and the error should be called to your doctor's attention.

As long as the error was caught and no harm befell anyone, why bother with litigation??? It is costly and what benefit would it do other than to the insurance company who gets the premiums and the attorneys who represent you in litigation.

Too many people are to quick to sue instead of taking a proactive stance.

Answer 5

IF the nurse did not verify the dosage with the doctor before telling the pharmacist what the dose was when he called and spoke to her SHE AND the Pharmacist would be liable. If she spoke to the doctor and repeated what the doctor had said both the doctor and the pharmacist would be liable. If you really wanted to do something you could report this to your state medical society and they would probably reprimand the individuals involved.

Answer 6

Seem like everyone should take the blame. Doctor with bad handwriting, nurse guessing at what it should be, and pharmacist accepting nurse's word. I doubt that you have any kind of case since there were no damages but you may be able to cause start some problems for the three people.

Answer 7

Do you people really think that a doctor takes the time to call in every single prescription? Nurses and medical assistants call that stuff in all of the time. Yes the nurse should have asked the doctor. I find the nurse liable 100%.

Answer 8

touch the pharmacist. Get the respond from them. you have measured incorrectly: a tsp is comparable to 5ml. and you would be able to't use a teaspoon from the kitchen because it is not a ideal length - the dosage would have been greater centred purposely because of the flexibility of inventory they had handy. in the experience that your newborn has under no circumstances had this medicine previously, you does no longer comprehend if she replaced into going to have an allergic-style reaction to it. ascertain to point this incident to any physician that prescribes an antibiotic for her contained sooner or later as this one for sure provides her unfavourable reactions. i'm hoping the hot antbiotic is working and she or he's feeling greater effective!

Answer 9

If I were you, I would never go to that hospital again.

First of all, the nurse shouldn't be giving instructions to a Pharmacist. Second, the nurse should have asked the doctor. Third, you should get that nurse fired. Thank god you didn't die! =)

Answer 10

I believe you have a legal case if you want to sue for malpractice. The nurse should not have changed the dosing instructions without the doctor's express consent. Good luck.