Emily Jerry

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News

Pharmacist going to jail over role in 2-year-old’s death

Eric Cropp in February 2006 approved a pharmacy technician’s fatal mix of chemotherapy solution for 2-year-old Emily Jerry, who was being treated at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. In April, he plead no contest to involuntary manslaughter. Cuyahoga County Judge Michael J. Corrigan on Friday sentenced Cropp to six months in a county jail, six months of home detention, three years of probation, 400 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine as well as court costs. He could have served five years in prison. Pharmacist groups called the decision a "disaster."

MedCity Influencers

Malpractice or criminal?

Dr. Jeffery Parks looks at the case of pharmacist Eric Cropp, scheduled to be sentenced for manslaughter for his role in the death of 2-year-old given a toxic mixture of chemotherapy. Parks said a case like Cropp's "sets an ominous precedent for future emotionally charged situations where there are bad outcomes."

Policy

A 2-year-old. A death. A pharmacist facing jail. What will spur lasting change?

Trade groups are preparing a legislative push to shield pharmacists from criminal prosecutions -- disturbed over the pursuit of a Cleveland-area pharmacist after his mistake contributed to the death of a young girl. "Criminal prosecution sends the false message that clinical perfection is an attainable goal, and that 'good' health-care practitioners never make errors and should be criminally punished if they are involved in an error," says one interest group.