Publication: DISCIPLINARY OUTCOMES FOR MAINE BOARD OF PHARMACY COMPLAINTS IN 2022
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Date
2024-04-18
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Abstract
The purpose of the licensing system regulated by the Maine Board of Pharmacy (MeBOP) is to protect the public against 1. dishonest or unethical licensees, and 2. licensees who have fallen below minimum standards of competence in the practice of pharmacy. Violators are subject to disciplinary action that can range from a formal warning to license revocation, with or without civil penalties. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare complaints submitted to the MeBOP for the 2022 calendar year.
The majority of complaints in 2022 were against pharmacists (57.9%, n = 66 of 114 complaints), consistent with disciplinary records for all United States (U.S) Boards of Pharmacy (BOP)1. 78.8% were licensed as a pharmacist-in-charge (PIC). The MeBOP had far less complaints against pharmacy technicians (1.8%, n = 2 of 114) compared to U.S. BOPs (25.2%, n = 1,309 of 5,196)1. There was a high number of dismissed complaints (53.5%), while 14% resulted in a letter of guidance and 32.5% were offered consent agreements. 21.9% of complaints were against licensees with prior discipline. The average civil penalty (n = 34 of 114) was $12,000 (median = $1,625, range = $250 - $175,000).
Investigation into complaint data for U.S. BOPs is necessary in order to establish best practices for the management of complaints, complaint outcomes, and the impact of complaints on licensees. The MeBOP and other U.S. BOPs can collect and use complaint data to contemplate ways to promote a more just culture. Future studies are needed to evaluate the number of complaints each U.S. BOP receives, PIC designation and license status, types of violations (e.g. prescription misfill, drug diversion), ways to promote the reduction of recidivism, as well as the civil penalties and how these compare across states.
1. NABP Clearinghouse Update - 2022. Innovations. March 2023;52(3):7.