Bar Code Imaging Technology (Resolution No. 100-5-04)

April 28, 2004 1:54 PM Topics: Resolutions

Resolution No. 100-5-04
Title: Bar Code Imaging Technology
Action: Passed

Whereas, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) final rule on bar coding, Bar Code Label Requirements for Human Drug Products and Biological Products, will require bar coding on designated prescription medication and over-the counter drugs to improve patient safety; and

Whereas, patient care studies and patient safety advocates, such as the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), have indicated that the bar coding of medications is an effective means to reduce medication errors; and

Whereas, NABP’s Executive Committee has announced its commitment to establishing and supporting a Patient Safety Initiative as an integral part of the Association and its programs and services; and

Whereas, the safe dispensing of medications relies upon and requires the pharmacist to be ultimately responsible for the accuracy of the medication order and complete a final verification process before any medication is dispensed to a patient; and

Whereas, imaging technology, which contributes to reducing medication errors and assisting pharmacists in the final verification process, is available; and

Whereas, it has been reported that certain companies offering such technology limit the number of imaged drugs available using this technology;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NABP work with other interested stakeholders, including those companies which offer imaging and bar code technology, include the identification of prescription medications through imaging and bar coding for all prescription medications dispensed to patients, and to urge the manufacturers of medications to provide the digital images needed to develop the identification databases.

(Resolution passed at NABP’s 100th Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL)