RI senator calls for review of medication mistake

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island lawmaker is asking for a state investigation of a hospital network after five of its facilities reported that up to 2,000 patients received the wrong form of medication.

Sen. James Doyle wants a legislative review of Lifespan, the hospitals' operator.

Lifespan on Wednesday said a software problem caused patients prescribed timed-release medications to instead receive regular forms of their medications. There are no reports of patients harmed by the mix-up.

Doyle, a Pawtucket Democrat, says he wants the state to ensure the problem isn't the result of hospital mismanagement.

State health officials say they are working closely with Lifespan to review the medication mistakes.

A message seeking comment was left with Lifespan on Thursday.

Legislative leaders have not yet responded to Doyle's request.