News in brief - May 9, 2011

Institute helps hospitals test drug safety practices

A new tool available from the Horsham, Pa.-based Institute for Safe Medication Practices may help hospitals gauge how well they are doing in preventing drug-related harm to their patients.

Hospitals can complete an anonymous and confidential assessment of their medication safety practices and see how they compare with similar hospitals when it comes to preventing drug mistakes. The assessment tool, announced in April, was developed by the institute in partnership with the American Hospital Assn. and the Health Research and Educational Trust.

Previous assessments were done in 2000 and 2004 and formed the basis for hospital quality improvement initiatives, the institute said. The assessment is done through the institute's website (www.ismp.org/selfassessments/Hospital/2011).

The deadline for submissions is Aug. 31.

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Washington bans chemicals found in "bath salts"

Washington is among the latest states to try to stem use of the powerful stimulants known as "bath salts" by banning chemicals commonly found in the synthetic drugs.

The Washington State Board of Pharmacy on April 15 issued emergency rules to add 11 chemicals to its list of Schedule I controlled substances. The action makes it illegal to sell, possess, manufacture and deliver the chemicals or products containing them (www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/professions/pharmacy/spicebathsalts.htm).

Several other states, including Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and North Dakota, have taken similar action, as have many counties and municipalities nationwide.

Sold online, in convenience stores and in smoke shops under names such as Ivory Wave, Hurricane Charlie and Red Dove, bath salts remain legal in much of the U.S. The drugs can cause violent and psychotic behavior, including paranoia and auditory or visual hallucinations, health experts say.

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