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How can I check if my pharmacist has been disciplined?
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How to Check if Your Pharmacist Has Been Disciplined
Choosing a pharmacist is an important decision. You entrust them with ensuring you get the correct medications and doses. You also share personal health information with them. So it’s understandable to want to know if a pharmacist has ever faced disciplinary action that could call their competence or ethics into question.
Fortunately, every state has a Board of Pharmacy that oversees licensing and discipline of pharmacists. These boards make disciplinary information public, so you can research a pharmacist’s background. Here’s what to know about checking pharmacist disciplinary records, and what sorts of violations may lead to discipline.
Why Pharmacists Get Disciplined
Like doctors and nurses, pharmacists must adhere to strict ethical and competency standards. State pharmacy boards discipline pharmacists for violations like:
- Prescription errors
- Privacy violations
- “Drug diversion” – stealing medications
- Practicing without a valid license
- Unprofessional conduct
Discipline aims to correct behavior and protect the public. It can range from required continuing education to license suspension or revocation.
Checking Disciplinary Status
Every U.S. state and territory has a Board of Pharmacy that licenses pharmacists and investigates complaints. Most boards provide an online license lookup where you can view:
- If a license is active or inactive
- Original issue and expiration dates
- Disciplinary status and violations
For example, see Ohio’s license lookup. You can search by name, license number or business name.
What Online Searches Reveal
License lookups disclose if disciplinary cases led to actions like:
- Reprimands – Formal warnings
- Probation – Extra oversight for a period
- Practice limitations – Restrictions on dispensing certain drugs
- Civil fines – Monetary penalties
- Suspensions – Temporary loss of license
- Revocations – Permanent loss of license
Sites note resolved and pending cases. So you may see a pharmacist disciplined for an error, who completed probation and improved. Or a pharmacist accused of a violation awaiting a hearing.
What Disciplinary History Means
One past disciplinary action doesn’t necessarily mean a pharmacist is currently dangerous or incompetent. Consider:
- The number and types of violations
- How long ago they occurred
- Evidence of remediation or rehabilitation since
- Evaluations from licensing boards allowing renewed practice
Minor prescription errors from years ago may not be as alarming as substance abuse issues. And pharmacists often have probationary periods to improve skills without further incidents.
When to Avoid a Pharmacist
In some cases, pharmacists’ pasts may be too concerning, such as:
- Recent serious patient harm from negligence
- Multiple license revocations
- Felony fraud or trafficking convictions
- Substance use disorders without completed treatment
Use your best judgment assessing disciplinary records. Seek another pharmacist if you have doubts about safety or trustworthiness.
Other Background Checks
Checking for state discipline is prudent before using a new pharmacist. Additionally consider:
- Search for malpractice lawsuits
- Ask people you know about their experiences
- Search online reviews from independent sites
Background research takes little time but can avoid issues down the road. Protect yourself and your family by being an informed health care consumer!