Defending or Responding to a Complaint before the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy

No pharmacist or pharmacy owner ever wants to get a letter from the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy about a complaint. If you received a letter from the Board concerning a violation of the Board’s rules and regulations or North Carolina law you may be uncertain about what to do next, what the procedures are, and what the results may be.

You may also be trying to decide whether you need to hire an attorney to assist you in responding to the Pharmacy Board. Our firm represents pharmacists and pharmacy owners in responding to the Board and defending against allegations of misconduct. Representation at the inquiry stage is significantly less expensive than in a formal evidentiary public hearing; therefore, the investment in protecting your license and livelihood generally is more cost-effective in the earlier stages. Our firm’s best opportunity to assist you in obtaining a favorable or acceptable outcome typically is in these early stages. We have a good working relationship with staff and counsel to the Pharmacy Board and frequently can work out an acceptable resolution without the need for a formal hearing.

In the sections below, we attempt to address some of the questions you may have and explain the general process, procedures, and possible results.

North Carolina Board of Pharmacy — Overview

As background, the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy was created by the N.C. legislature to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in pharmaceutical matters and is an agency of the State. The Board generally has the power to adopt and enforce regulations and laws pertaining to the distribution and use of drugs. It consists of six members, five pharmacists and one public member. The Board has the power to issue a letter of reprimand; or suspend, restrict, revoke, or refuse to grant or renew a license to practice pharmacy. In addition, the Board may require licensees to successfully complete remedial education.

Informal Proceedings