Task Force on Uniform Prescription Labeling Requirements (Resolution Number: 104-3-08)

May 20, 2008 3:25 PM Topics: Resolutions

Resolution Number: 104-3-08
Title: Task Force on Uniform Prescription Labeling Requirements
Action: Passed

Whereas, concerns have arisen regarding prescription drug label content and format as contributing factors to patient confusion and medication errors; and

Whereas, some prescription drugs are known by several proprietary names (ie, brand name, branded generic name) as well as their established, official, or generic name, and such drugs may be identified on a prescription drug label by multiple different names; and

Whereas, the confusing terminology has resulted in prescribers inadvertently prescribing and patients inadvertently obtaining and ingesting duplicate drugs, potentially resulting in overdose and serious injury or death;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NABP convene a task force to assess and recommend revisions, if necessary, to the prescription labeling provisions of the Model State Pharmacy Act and Model Rules of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy to standardize labeling and information provided to the patient, increase the readability and comprehension of and decrease confusion caused by prescription labels, and promote patient safety and avoid medication errors.

(Resolution passed at the NABP 104th Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD)