Missouri Pharmacy License Defense Lawyer

Attorney Working With Pharmacies and Pharmacists to Protect Their Licenses in Missouri

Pharmacists and pharmacies play an important role in the health care system, serving as the last step before patients receive medications. They have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of patients, and they are held to strict standards that require them to ensure that medications are dispensed correctly while maintaining security over controlled substances and keeping detailed records. Small mistakes, isolated complaints, or larger concerns about a pharmacy's handling of drugs can trigger an investigation by the Missouri Board of Pharmacy. Disciplinary action in these cases could threaten a pharmacy's ability to remain open.

The Board of Pharmacy has the authority to investigate complaints, inspect the premises of pharmacies, and impose discipline against pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and the pharmacies themselves. In these situations, pharmacists or pharmacy owners may be unsure about their rights, the proper ways to respond to investigations, and the steps that can be taken to defend their licenses. Because of the complex laws and regulations that may apply in these cases, it is crucial to work with a lawyer who understands how to address concerns that may affect pharmacy licenses.

At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., our team has the knowledge and experience needed to address issues that may affect pharmacies. Attorney Joseph Bogdan is a leader in the field of pharmacy law who is also a registered pharmacist. He can help address concerns that may affect pharmacy licenses while also assisting with audits and handling concerns related to accreditation. When working with our team, pharmacists and pharmacy owners can have confidence that their cases are being handled by a lawyer who fully understands the technical and regulatory issues that may affect this field.

Why the Board of Pharmacy May Investigate Pharmacists and Pharmacies

Information suggesting that a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, or licensed pharmacy has failed to meet the proper standards can lead to investigations and disciplinary proceedings. Investigations may be based on complaints by patients, reports from employees, routine inspections, or data related to the types of drugs that a pharmacy has dispensed to patients. Common concerns that may be addressed in investigations include:

• Drug Diversion: Allegations that controlled substances have gone missing from a pharmacy's inventory, that a pharmacist or technician has used medications for personal use, or that drugs have been unlawfully distributed by a pharmacy are taken seriously. In these cases, pharmacies may need to respond to DEA investigations in addition to licensing concerns.
• Inadequate Security Procedures: A pharmacy may need to respond to allegations that controlled substances have not been properly secured or that it has failed to properly restrict access to medication storage areas. Inventory discrepancies may raise concerns about access to drugs, theft, or other issues that may allow medications to be misused.
• Poor Record-Keeping: Pharmacies are required to maintain accurate records of prescriptions that have been filled, controlled substance transactions, and patient counseling. Gaps or inconsistencies in these records can raise questions about whether medications were dispensed properly.
• Failure to Provide Consultations: Pharmacists are required to offer counseling on prescriptions and make sure patients understand the proper use of medications, potential side effects, and interactions with other drugs. Patterns showing that patients have not been provided with the proper consultations may be considered to be a failure to meet professional standards.
• Other Issues: Investigations may address dispensing errors, improper compounding practices, or the failure to verify the authority of doctors or other prescribers before filling prescriptions. Other violations may be related to a pharmacist's health and their ability to follow professional standards, including substance abuse or professional misconduct.

How Disciplinary Action Can Affect a Pharmacist's Career or a Pharmacy's Operations

The Board of Pharmacy may impose discipline against an individual pharmacist's license. It may issue a letter of censure against a pharmacist, place a person on probation and require them to meet specific conditions, suspend a person's license for a specific period of time, or completely revoke a license. A revoked license can prevent a pharmacist from reapplying for a certain number of years, which may prevent them from obtaining a license in another state or affect their ability to be hired by employers in the future.

For a pharmacy, disciplinary action can extend beyond an individual employee and affect the business as a whole. The Board may restrict or suspend a pharmacy's permit, impose conditions on its operations, or even revoke a pharmacy's authority to operate. These disciplinary actions can affect a pharmacy's ability to serve patients, damage its relationships with prescribers and insurers, and place serious financial strain on a business.

Legal Representation in Pharmacy License Matters

When a complaint is made against a pharmacy or pharmacist, our lawyer can review the notice and help determine the best ways to respond. Our team will gather supporting records and take steps to address specific concerns while demonstrating that a specific person or a business has followed the correct procedures. During the early stages of a case, our attorney can work to resolve concerns before they escalate into formal disciplinary proceedings.

When the Board of Pharmacy initiates a formal investigation and holds a hearing, our lawyer can provide effective representation throughout the process. He will review evidence related to alleged violations, make sure witnesses are prepared to testify during a hearing, and present arguments on behalf of a client. He can take steps to negotiate agreements that will limit the discipline that may be imposed and avoid a license suspension or revocation. By taking steps to help a pharmacy comply with requirements put in place by the Board, he can make sure it will be able to avoid potential discipline in the future.

Contact Our Missouri Pharmacy License Defense Attorney

A complaint against a pharmacy can affect a business, and the career of a pharmacist who is facing disciplinary action may be at risk. Taking the right steps to address these concerns can help a person and business avoid problems that could affect a pharmacy's practice. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., our attorney can review allegations against a pharmacy or pharmacist and build a strong defense against disciplinary action. Contact our Missouri pharmacist license discipline lawyer at 573-261-5733 to schedule a free consultation