WILLIAMS INTRODUCES BILL TO REDUCE PRESCRIPTION ERRORS

HARRISBURG, SEPT. 18 – With a goal of reducing prescription errors and reigning in the rising cost of health care, state Sen. Connie Williams introduced legislation that will advance the use of technology in the health-care field.

Williams' bill (S.B. 1094) would require health care facilities in Pennsylvania to develop a plan for the implementation of an electronic prescribing system. An electronic prescribing system would allow physicians to use computer technology to order prescription medications for their patients.

"If there was a way to check medication interaction, ensure a prescription was clearly understood by the pharmacy and the patient, and to have that prescription delivered to a pharmacy within seconds of it being ordered, shouldn't we be implementing the new protocol," Williams asked. "Through the use of new technology, doctors can use a device that in many cases is no bigger than your typical prescription pad to write a prescription, check for potential drug interactions and forward the prescription to a pharmacy within seconds. My legislation makes it easier to implement electronic prescribing, although it will not require it."

"This legislation would not only ensure fewer people wind up back at the hospital or at their doctor's office, because of taking the wrong medication, but also is a good fit with Governor Ed Rendell's health care reform package, which has as its goals the reduction of medical errors, better access to health care for all Pennsylvanians and making health care more affordable."

Under the legislation, the State Board of Medicine would track and record the use of e-prescribing.

"The technology to support e-prescribing is already available," Williams said. "And with grants that would be made available to hospitals for acquiring the technology, it is very affordable."

"The public demands that the medical community stay abreast of new technology that affords the potential for early diagnosis, less-invasive testing and quicker recoveries. E-prescribing will bring that same cutting-edge technology to bear on how medications are prescribed."