Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Washington
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Anyone who depends on the safe and accurate filling of their prescriptions and over-the-counter drug needs can rest assured that pharmacies are doing a good job, says Joe Honda. Joe is one of eight inspectors for the Washington State Board of Pharmacy. He says that thanks to strict licensing laws, regular inspections, technical assistance provided by the inspectors, and business owners’ interest in doing things the right way, he seldom encounters major problems. The Board of Pharmacy protects drug consumers by licensing pharmacists, investigating complaints, licensing and inspecting pharmacies, drug manufacturers and distributors, and proposing changes in the laws regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs. They also license those who use drugs in their work such as handlers of drug-sniffing dogs and medical researchers who conduct clinical trials of experimental drugs. Like all Board of Pharmacy inspectors, Joe Honda is a licensed pharmacist who has received additional training in interviewing and investigative techniques. He covers the Seattle area, about 200 firms, inspecting each business about once every 18 months. Joe says, inspections are "not really so much a chance to catch someone doing something wrong as they are an opportunity to discuss the best way to do things to promote consumer health and safety." In addition to conducting inspections, Joe investigates consumer complaints, typically from people who feel they were given the wrong prescription ("I got pink pills, they’re usually blue"), investigates pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and nurses who are suspected of misusing or stealing drugs, and makes presentations to professional groups, pharmacy students and others. Joe has been an inspector for 12 years. The Board of Pharmacy’s activities are a good example of the work the Washington State Department of Health does to protect the health of Washington citizens through the licensing of health care professionals from nurses and doctors to masseuses, and businesses from shellfish growers to radioactive waste handlers. While our
health care system is full of highly trained and dedicated
professionals who provide quality health care every day, you—as a
consumer—can improve your safety by understanding and keeping track
of the medications you take. Find out more about medications and
your safety at
http://www.doh.wa.gov/PatientSafety/infoforpublic.htm
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02/08/2008 03:10 PM
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Joe
Honda: Licensing and inspection guard consumer health