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Abstract

New York regulations to implement the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA '90) have been in effect more than one year yet little is known about pharmacists' experience with, or effectiveness of, the prospective drug utilization review (DUR) mandate. An anonymous questionnaire distributed to 287 New York City pharmacists and interns achieved a 67% (194) response rate. Time, personnel, and expense constraints were the most frequently mentioned implementation problems. A number of pharmacists and interns misinterpreted various prospective DUR requirements of the New York regulation. Some erroneously believe the requirement to review the drug therapy only applies to new prescriptions but not renewals. Others do not believe the pharmacist must ascertain a complete listing of all medications. Half of the respondents indicated their pharmacy has had to hire more personnel or purchase computer software to comply. Interns appeared more optimistic than pharmacists about the future success of OBRA '90. Approximately two thirds of respondents believe the regulations will increase pharmacists' liability.

Keywords

OBRA Pharmacists New York City Drug utilization review Liability

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New York City Pharmacists and Prospective Drug Utilization Review under Obra '90

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