When a medication error occurs, who is ultimately responsible for the error?

When a medication error occurs, the person who made the error bears the ultimate responsibility for that error. This is significant because individual accountability is essential in the healthcare system to ensure that all personnel are diligent in their practice and adhere to safety protocols. Each member of the healthcare team, including medication assistants, must be aware of their own practices and the importance of double-checking medications before administration to reduce the risk of errors.

While the supervising nurse, the pharmacy, and facility management have roles in supporting safe medication practices and protocols, the responsibility for the specific act of administering the medication lies with the individual who performed that action. This understanding reinforces the need for comprehensive training and awareness of procedures to prevent medication errors, and it emphasizes the importance of a culture of safety where errors can be reported and learned from without fear of undue punishment.