Ohio Board of Pharmacy Takes Aim at Dispensing Errors

The Ohio Board of Pharmacy (“Board”) published two new rules aimed at preventing and rooting out dispensing errors. The first new rule requires pharmacies to implement quality assurance programs for dispensing errors.[1] The second new rule requires pharmacies to report certain dispensing errors, and terminations related to dispensing errors, to the Board.[2] Both rules became effective March 1, 2025.

The quality assurance programs rule requires any pharmacy licensed as a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs (TDDD) to implement a continuous quality assurance program for pharmacy services. The quality assurance program must document and assess dispensing errors to determine cause and the appropriate response to improve the quality of pharmacy service and prevent errors. The Board also issued a FAQ guidance regarding the quality assurance programs rule.

The mandatory reporting rule requires any pharmacy licensed as a TDDD to report to the Board certain dispensing errors and terminations related to dispensing errors. The errors that must be reported to the Board include:

• those resulting from reckless behavior or resulting in permanent patient harm,
• a near-death event or
• patient death.

Terminations that must be reported to the Board include the termination of a licensed pharmacist or pharmacy technician based upon:

• errors in dispensing,
• unprofessional conduct,
• dishonesty or reckless behavior or
• conduct indicating the licensee was practicing pharmacy while physically or mentally impaired by alcohol, drugs or other chemical substances, or physically or mentally impaired to such a degree to render the individual unfit to carry on their professional duties.

Reports must be submitted to the Board through its online complaint form or by telephone.  The Board also issued FAQ guidance regarding the mandatory reporting rule.

If you have any questions about the latest Ohio Board of Pharmacy rules, please contact your Dinsmore healthcare attorney.