Practice Areas Professional License Defense Pharmacist License Defense

Maryland Pharmacist License Defense Lawyer to Protect Your Career 

A professional complaint is a serious matter that could jeopardize your ability to earn an income as a pharmacist. The Maryland Board of Pharmacy handles all complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions. If you’ve received a complaint, you do not have to handle the matter on your own – you are entitled to be represented by legal counsel. An experienced Maryland pharmacist license defense lawyer can help you protect your future.

Incidents That Can Trigger a Disciplinary Proceeding Against a Pharmacy in Maryland

Many pharmacists are surprised when they receive a complaint, unaware that what they are alleged to have done could potentially result in them losing their license. For example, the Board can place you on probation or even revoke your license if you are convicted of a felony or a “crime of moral turpitude.” This could include something like a conviction for DUI or assault. 

Also, there are many examples of professional misconduct that could trigger a disciplinary action: 

• Recordkeeping violations
• Aiding an unlicensed individual to practice pharmacy
• Dispensing any drug, device, or diagnostic without a prescription
• Confidentiality violations
• Sexual misconduct
• Providing pharmacy services while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failure to supervise a pharmacy intern or technician

This is not an exhaustive list, and the Board has broad discretion in initiating a disciplinary proceeding for alleged violations that are not explicitly enumerated in the law. A Maryland pharmacist license defense law firm can help you understand the alleged violations and formulate a defense strategy to protect your license and reputation. 

The Potential Penalties You Face in Maryland

If you are charged with violating the ethical rules or legal obligations of the pharmacy profession, the Board could impose the following potential sanctions: 

• Probation for up to five years
• Denial of an application for a pharmacy license
• Suspension of your pharmacy license anywhere from 30 days to five years
• Permanent revocation of your pharmacy license
• Monetary sanctions anywhere from $250 to $10,000

The severity of the sanctions will depend on the nature and extent of your violation. However, even a minor violation could do long-lasting damage to your professional reputation, making it difficult to find future employment. Our law firm can help you navigate the disciplinary process and get a fair outcome. 

Important Considerations if You Have a Pending Complaint or Proceeding in Maryland

The most important thing to remember is that your license is on the line, so you need to take immediate action when you receive notice of the complaint or proceeding. You could lose all of your rights if you fail to respond to the specified deadlines or do not respond at all. You also need to keep the following in mind: 

• Do not assume the Board will quickly dismiss the complaint. They will conduct an investigation. 
• Do not assume that the Board is on your side. Instead, assume that they are adverse to your interests. 
• You will be required to cooperate with the investigation, but you are entitled to legal representation. We strongly encourage you to contact a Maryland pharmacist license defense attorney before responding, as anything you say or do may be used against you. 

Contact Maryland Pharmacist License Defense Attorney J.W. Stafford

Even what appears to be a meritless complaint could do profound damage to your professional reputation. The best thing you can do is to speak with an experienced Maryland pharmacist license defense lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our firm by calling 410-514-6099 to schedule a consultation today – the sooner you call, the sooner we can help.