7/3/14 - Governor Snyder has signed into law two bills sponsored by a local legislator to increase oversight on compounding pharmacies following a deadly fungal meningitis outbreak. The now-defunct New England Compounding Center in Massachusetts distributed tainted steroid injections to patients at clinics in 20 states. Michigan patients were hit hardest by the meningitis outbreak, with 264 infections and 19 deaths according to the most recent tallies. The steroids were distributed to clinics in four Michigan counties including Livingston, Genesee, Macomb and Grand Traverse. State Senator Joe Hune introduced two bills establishing more oversight for pharmacies, requiring the creation of a âpharmacist in chargeâ to be responsible for their operation, and outlining the penalties for violations that cause serious injury or death. Those bills were signed into law by Snyder on Wednesday. The governor says this legislation will help ensure a disaster like the meningitis outbreak does not occur again. (TD)
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