Legal and medical issues in therapeutic interchange: implications for pharmacists, physicians, and P & T committees

In today's health care environment, pharmacists, physicians, P & T Committees, hospital administrators and other clinicians involved in therapeutic interchange issues should be knowledgeable about the legal and medical issues associated with this practice. In this paper, a general discussion of liability under tort law is provided, followed by a specific discussion of the legal aspects of therapeutic interchange. In addition, steps that hospitals, P & T Committees, physicians, and pharmacists can take to establish sound therapeutic interchange policies--and thus reduce liability risks--are presented. Armed with this knowledge, clinicians and administrators can continue to provide cost-effective, patient-oriented care that uphold their professional responsibilities.