Kansas Pharmacy Professionals – Communicating Warnings to Patients

Pharmacy professionals, whether pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, or other pharmacy employees, have a duty to communicate warnings to patients regarding particular medications, and potential drug interactions. While pharmacy technicians and other pharmacy employees may not have the same knowledge as pharmacists regarding the reasons for drug warnings, they should still communicate warnings that are included on the prescription bottle and package insert that accompanies the medication.

The pharmaceutical industry grows each day and new warnings may be issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that need to be communicated to patients, such as Black Box Warnings regarding serious side-effects of particular drugs. If patients suffer injuries or illnesses as a result of a medication or a drug interaction, and no warning was given that may have prevented the injuries or illnesses from occurring, a pharmacy professional may be accused of playing a role in causing the injuries and/or illnesses.

For example, if a pharmacy technician failed to communicate a warning that was clearly noted on the patient’s file or on the prescription bottle itself, and the patient experienced side-effects from the medication, or from drug interactions with other medications, the pharmacy technician may face disciplinary action from the Kansas Board of Pharmacy. Further, the pharmacist supervising the pharmacy technician may also face disciplinary action if he or she did not adequately train the pharmacy technician to communicate warnings to patients.

Potential Disciplinary Action

If you are facing disciplinary action, and you have no idea what the potential consequences are if the Kansas Board of Pharmacy issues an adverse decision against you, it is important to consult with a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the nature and severity of the injuries or illnesses suffered by a patient, and depending upon the seriousness of the pharmacy professional’s mistake in failing to warn the patient about drug warnings, the pharmacy professional faces one or more of the following disciplinary actions:

  • Public reprimand;
  • Private reprimand;
  • Suspension of your professional license for a period of time
  • Requirement to attend an educational program regarding pharmacy practices; and
  • Revocation of your professional license.

What may not seem like a big deal to most people, such as a minor warning that a patient may have an upset stomach after taking a particular medication, could actually turn out to be a very big deal. A simple mistake could cost you your professional license and may subject you to a civil lawsuit. As such, if you are facing any type of disciplinary proceeding before the Kansas Board of Pharmacy, it is imperative that you seek the advice of a qualified Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney who fully understands the disciplinary process and how crucial such proceedings can be for determining the fate of your professional license. Regardless of how serious you believe your situation is, your attorney can thoroughly explain all options, all potential outcomes to your situation, and how to move on once everything is all said and done.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

As a pharmacy professional, you are aware of what your responsibilities are in terms of educating patients on the medications they are taking. When mistakes happen, or accusations are made, it is important to consult with a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney right away to address the situation. With your career on the line, it is important to speak with an attorney sooner rather than later. Attorney Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office is a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney who devotes her law practice to helping Kansas professionals keep their licenses and practice in their profession for many years to come. As a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, Danielle Sanger understands your situation from all angles. To schedule a free consultation with Danielle Sanger, contact the Sanger Law Office today by calling (785) 979-4353.

 

 

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