College of Pharmacy
Emily Jerry died three days after being given a lethal dose of sodium chloride (salt). Criminal charges were filed against the supervising pharmacist, and he was sent to prison.
As a result of Emily’s death, the state of Ohio passed Emily’s Law. The Law requires prospective and current pharmacy technicians in Ohio to pass a competency test as well as a criminal background check. Before this law was passed, anyone could become a pharmacy technician with few qualifications; only a high school diploma or equivalency was required.
After Emily’s tragic death, Kelly Jerry became active in the pursuit of patient safety and reducing avoidable medication errors.
In 2007, Jerry joined forces with Cathy Horton, the founder of Flaame (families launching action against medication errors), in attempt to heighten the public and health care industry awareness of medication errors.
With the help of Senator Tim Grendell, the National Pharmacy Technician Association’s Mike Johnston and Horton, Jerry fought to have Emily’s Law enacted in the state of Ohio. Emily’s Law was signed in 2009 by Gov. Ted Strickland.
The law provides strict requirements and regulations for pharmacy technicians in Ohio. Jerry continues to share Emily’s story in the hope of helping other families to avoid the pain of losing a loved one to a preventable medication error.
