26-4-211. Legislative findings and intent.

The General Assembly finds and declares that:#

1. (1)

   Medications are essential for the effective treatment and prevention of illness and disease, and medications, particularly dangerous drugs, are recognized to be complex chemical compounds which may cause untoward side effects, adverse reactions, and other undesirable and potentially harmful effects;#

2. (2)

   Hospital pharmacists are highly trained in the therapeutic use of medications and have expertise in the safe, appropriate, and cost-effective use of medications; and#

3. (3)

   Therefore, it is essential that physicians, pharmacists, and other clinical health care practitioners in an institutional setting collaborate to promote safe and effective medication therapy for the institution’s patients.#

The intent of the General Assembly in enacting this legislation is to maximize patient safety, to ensure safe and desirable medication therapy outcomes, and to achieve desired therapeutic goals.#