Premier responds to the FDA
Premier comments positively on bar coding rule; suggests areas for improvement
As a longtime champion of bar coding for drug and medical devices sold to hospitals and other ambulatory care settings, Premier has expressed strong support for the FDA's March 2003 proposed rule.
The regulation would require that all drugs and biologicals be outfitted by manufacturers, wholesalers and/or distributors with machine readable bar codes within three years. As such, Premier stated that the proposed rule represents a victory for patients, hospitals, and overall care safety and medical error reduction.
To be sure, bar coding at the level of manufacturer and/or distribution would facilitate hospitals' utilization of the technology necessary to bring about significant patient safety improvements.
Though pleased with the proposed rule, Premier outlined in a comment letter to the FDA three areas for suggested improvement:
- Bar codes ought to contain lot numbers and expiration date of medications within five years;
- Medical devices ought to be bar coded, as well; and
- The FDA ought to require bar codes on drug samples.
Premier's 2006 position statement
Bar coding of medical devices (.pdf) (32 KB)