CHARLESTON — White-jacketed pharmacy students filled the upper rotunda Monday, hoping to dramatize support for including their profession in medical malpractice reforms enacted six years ago.
Lawmakers dramatically changed the rules in malpractice insurance back in 2003, but pharmacy was left in the lurch.
A recent edict by the state Supreme Court held that the new law doesn’t apply to pharmacists, explained Richard Stevens, executive director of the West Virginia Pharmacists Association.
“It was an oversight,” the Charleston resident said.
Monday’s outpouring of some 60 students from the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy was meant to drive home that point.
“We’re asking lawmakers to add pharmacists and pharmacies to the definition of health care provider,” he said.
“Other health care providers now have the definition of the medical profession liability act.”
With the role of pharmacists ever expanding, Stevens said the inclusion becomes even more critical.
“I think the public understands and depends upon their local pharmacies for a lot of medical and health care information,” he said.
“Pharmacists are providing now an array of services to the public, including diabetes screening. Under the new Medicare law, Part II, pharmacists can provide patients with what is called medication therapy management to determine that the drugs they are taking are the appropriate medications.”
Stevens said the medical malpractice law is “strange,” since it begins with a statement that a health provider includes but isn’t limited to doctors and physical therapists.
“So there are other types of health care providers that are not included in the definition and the Supreme Court ruling, in essence, said if you’re not listed, you’re not covered in the definition. So, there was an oversight.”
Betsy Elswick, a clinical assistant professor with the WVU School of Pharmacy, said the students appeared as a means of calling the Legislature’s attention to the growing role of pharmacy in the health care system.
“We feel that’s a very important aspect of the profession — what the pharmacists are as health care providers,” Elswick said.
And, the profession is soon to take on a larger role in the system, she said.
“Pharmacists will soon be immunizing, providing immunization to adults in this state for flu and pneumonia,” she said.
“We’re involved with medication therapy management. Many of us are diabetes educators. Truly, we are demonstrating our role as medical therapy experts.”
— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com
Local News
Pharmacists seek medical malpractice protection
- Local News
-
-
Green pleads for fund-raising ban during session
Insisting his motives are both pure and sincere, Sen. Mike Green pleaded with his Senate colleagues Tuesday to ban fundraising by lawmakers while in a 60-day session.
-
Senators want to build veterans nursing home in Beckley
America has a shabby history of tending to the needs of its returning war veterans, but some West Virginia senators want to start making amends.
-
Commissioners urge public to look into free prescription drug card
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Raleigh County Commission, County Administrator John Humphrey expressed concern that there are not more uninsured county citizens taking advantage of a free prescription drug card through the National Association of Counties.
-
Body reportedly removed from Guyandotte River
Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department removed a body from the Guyandotte River at Brier Creek bridge Tuesday, according to Chief Deputy C.S. Parker.
-
Ronceverte merchant shares concerns with City Council
When Mary Glover and her son Chris opened a floral specialty shop in the River City four years ago, their Edgar Avenue location seemed ideal. But Mary Glover is now frustrated over what she perceives as a lack of community support for the small business.
-
Three men found dead in Rainelle home
Three men, a father and his two sons, were found dead inside their Rainelle home Tuesday, the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.
-
Glen Daniel bank robbery suspect nabbed quickly
A bank in Glen Daniel was targeted by an armed robber Tuesday afternoon who got away with an undisclosed amount of cash, but was apprehended moments later because of the actions of one brave deputy.
-
Fayette board member voices disapproval of energy program
At Monday’s Fayette County Board of Education meeting, board member David Arritt registered his disapproval of the county’s energy management program, which he compared to a “chain letter.”
- Calendar — Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012
-
Mount Hope grads plan ‘Sentimental Journey Prom’
A group of Mount Hope High School graduates will host a “Sentimental Journey Prom” Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Green pleads for fund-raising ban during session
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
