Indiana Pharmacy License Defense Attorney

Lawyer Representing Pharmacies and Pharmacists in Disciplinary Matters Before the Indiana Board of Pharmacy

Operating a pharmacy involves a variety of complex issues. Pharmacies will need to obtain the proper permits, and pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will also need to be licensed after receiving the necessary education and training and passing all required exams. These licenses and permits are governed by the Indiana Board of Pharmacy, and there are many reasons why the Board may deny or refuse to renew a license. The Board may also take action to suspend or revoke the license of a pharmacy or pharmacist who is accused of violating the law or failing to meet professional standards. In these situations, license holders will need to determine the steps they can take to defend against actions that could harm their businesses and their careers.

Because decisions made by personnel at the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) can have long-lasting effects, it is important for license holders to secure representation from an experienced lawyer in these situations. The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC assists with these matters, helping pharmacists understand how they can respond to audits and investigations and protect against discipline. Attorney Joseph Bogdan is a registered pharmacist with extensive knowledge of pharmacy law. In addition to helping address licensing issues, he can also assist with related matters that affect pharmacies and pharmacists, including MJPE remediation, PBM audits, Medicare/Medicaid audits, and accreditation for wholesale drug distributors and home medical equipment service providers.

Disciplinary Issues Affecting Pharmacists

The Indiana Board of Pharmacy regulates the practices of pharmacists and ensures that they are following the correct standards. Pharmacists may dispense prescription drugs to patients, and they are required to maintain the proper records, including patient drug histories. They may also perform drug evaluations and utilization reviews, participate in drug-related research, perform certain types of immunizations, and prescribe medical devices and supplies, including inhalers, nebulizers, syringes, blood sugar testing supplies, CPAP machines, and insulin pumps. The Board also licenses pharmacy technicians who are authorized to work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and perform limited duties that do not require a pharmacist's experience and professional judgment.

Pharmacists, pharmacies, or pharmacy technicians may face discipline due to issues such as:

• Substandard practices or unprofessional conduct - Pharmacists who commit errors when filling prescriptions or dispensing medications or who fail to provide patients with the proper counsel on the use of drugs may be subject to disciplinary action. Other issues that could lead to discipline include sexual harassment, discrimination against patients or employees based on factors such as race or sexual orientation, breaches of patient confidentiality, or engaging in fraudulent business practices.
• Addictions and substance abuse - Pharmacists who engage in drug or alcohol abuse are at risk of misusing drugs, and to prevent these issues, they may be subject to suspension or revocation of their pharmacist licenses. However, rehabilitation programs are available in these situations, and impaired pharmacists may be able to avoid the loss of their licenses if they participate in treatment programs and meet other requirements.
• Criminal convictions - A pharmacist who is charged with a felony or misdemeanor that may directly or indirectly affect their pharmacy practice may be subject to license discipline.
• Practices involving controlled substances - Pharmacies must maintain a controlled substance registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). If a pharmacy fails to follow the correct standards when dispensing controlled substances to patients, or if it commits other violations, such as failing to maintain an inventory of controlled substances or properly dispose of expired medications, the DEA may perform an investigation to determine whether drug diversion occurred. These investigations may lead the DEA to suspend or revoke a controlled substance registration, and a pharmacist may face criminal charges related to drug trafficking.

Contact Our Indiana Pharmacist Discipline Defense Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC, our strong knowledge of pharmacy law ensures that we can provide the proper representation in cases involving license discipline and related issues. We will work to help you defend your license and address any issues that may affect your ability to operate a pharmacy. Contact us today by calling 463-219-2612 to set up your complimentary consultation.