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State Improvements

The study shows that more is needed to combat medical errors associated with prescription drug errors. States, however, are helping to do their part it seems to mitigate the problems.

According to U.S. Pharmacist - a monthly online publication that provides pharmacists with current and authoritative information relating to pharmacy practice - some states have implemented their own procedures to reduce mistakes with prescriptions. Various states have addressed issues with excessive workload. North Carolina, for instance, prohibits employers from allowing pharmacists to work more than 12 hours a day. If they work eight hours or more, their employers are required to provide rest or meal breaks.

In an age where everything from music to shopping is going digital, it's no wonder that the medical field is jumping on board as well. Electronic medical records (EMR) are the latest implementation for many doctors and medical professionals nationwide.

However, once touted as a measure that was sure to help decrease medical errors, a new study suggests that switching from prescribing prescriptions via paper to e-prescribing may actually lead to more problems.

According to a study commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), 10,667 people have made allegations of sexual abuse against Catholic priests and deacons for incidents that occurred between 1950 and 2004. Sexual abuse can leave lingering scars, and a number of clergy abuse victims are angered that Catholic Church leaders have not done more to address the issue of clergy sex abuse. Some victims asked for the international community to intervene in the matter. Some notable incidents of clergy sexual abuse in Iowa demonstrate why abuse victims are asking for international support.

Petition to the International Criminal Court

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) partnered with the Center for Constitutional Rights to request the International Criminal Court (ICC)-based in the Hague, Netherlands-to investigate why no high-ranking Church officials have faced prosecution for harboring priests who committed sexual abuse.

SNAP named the following individuals in the complaint:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has ordered recalls of the following three dangerous products that pose a risk of serious harm. If you or someone you know owns any of these products please go to the CPSC Website or click on the links below for more information.  

1.  Glider Recliners with Ottomans - Big Lots -  Entrapment and Finger Crushing Hazards.

2.  Pourable Gel Fuel - Evergreen Enterprises - Burn and Flash Fire Hazards.

3.  Gas Rangetop with Grill - General Electric - Explosion Hazard.

Costumes, parties, candy, pumpkins, trick-or-treating!  Halloween can be a fun and exciting time of year for both parents and children. Unfortunately, the annual Halloween celebration also gives rise to a number of safety hazards and dangers that can result in serious injuries or even death.  Fortunately, many of these hazards can be avoided by putting safety first and following simple safety tips.  

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a press release today with a number of great safety tips to avoid common Halloween hazards and keep your family safe from harm.  Be sure to check out the 3 Step Safety Check for a quick and easy Halloween safety checklist.

Have a happy and SAFE Halloween!  

According to the Iowa Department of Public safety, one person has died every day in an auto accident within the state of Iowa. The good news is that fewer people have died this year than last.

Year to date, 236 total individuals have lost their lives in auto-accident fatalities; down from 390 people last year. These fatalities include Michael Collins, a volunteer firefighter, who was killed after being hit in Shelby, Iowa, while directing traffic, Iowa State Trooper Mark Toney, who was killed in Indianola, and four elderly women who died in a single-car accident in West Des Moines.

As a way to reduce teen auto accidents and fatalities, states all across the nation began implementing what's known as graduated driver licensing systems (GDLS) in the 1990s. GDLS are programs that gradually allow drivers- who are obtaining their driver's license for the first time-to acquire driving privileges at separate stages rather than all at once.

Many states, including Iowa, have implemented three different stages each with different restrictions and privileges. Advocates, including some Iowa motor vehicle injury attorneys, argue that these types of programs help to prevent unnecessary auto accidents and fatalities.

The Iowa State Fire Marshall has issued a warning of the dangers associated with using decorative "firepots" and fuel gel products.  These firepots and fuel gel products are extremely dangerous to consumers and carry with them an unaccptable risk of serious burn injuries.  Because of the nature of the fuel gel product, even an unlit, still hot, recepticle can ignite the highly flammable fuel gel and cause serious burn injuries or even death to persons in the immediate area of a firepot containing the gel.  Several cases of serious burn injuires from these products have been reported in Iowa with many more nationwide. 

As of today, fuel gel and firepot prodcuts are still being sold in Iowa.  Galligan Reid, P.C. is advocating for a complete recall and ban on these products by the Iowa Attorney General and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 

Link to Iowa State Fire Marshal Press Release