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Tighter pharmacy rules planned after Michigan meningitis deaths

prweb.com

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - New legislation is being proposed to more closely regulate 470 compounding pharmacies in Michigan after a deadly outbreak of meningitis a year ago.

The infection of 264 Michigan residents, 17 who died, is blamed on contaminated steroids produced by a company in Massachusetts. But Michigan's attorney general, a top licensing official and a state senator say oversight of Michigan pharmacies should be strengthened to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

A measure announced Thursday would require pharmacies to undergo regular inspections and criminal background checks. They also would have to maintain accurate records and appoint a "pharmacist in charge" to ensure laws and regulations are followed.

Separately, a multi-county grand jury investigation of the outbreak has been launched at the request of Attorney General Bill Schuette.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.
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