It takes years of education and substantial financial investment to finish the necessary education to become a pharmacist and secure a Pennsylvania license to practice the profession. A pharmacist may need to work for years to pay off their student loans despite commanding a relatively competitive salary. They need to complete continuing education courses and adhere to very strict state standards regarding professional conduct.
Not only could a failure to comply with renewal requirements lead to the loss of someone’s license, but they could also face disciplinary efforts initiated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy that could leave them unable to continue their career. Obviously, gross failure on the job could potentially result in the loss of someone’s licensing. Pharmacists also need to understand that personal matters could lead to licensing issues as well. What kinds of personal challenges might affect someone’s eligibility to maintain their professional license as a pharmacist?
Serious criminal charges
Someone who gets arrested for drunk driving on their own time might tell themselves that their mistake won’t affect their job performance. However, a background check is an important part of the license application and renewal process. Charges that imply a moral deficit or addiction, in particular, could put someone’s license at risk. Even if a professional doesn’t disclose their guilty plea or conviction to the board, the chances are good that it will turn up when they apply for their next renewal, which could lead to a denied application or a disciplinary hearing.
Substance abuse issues
Oftentimes, challenges related to substance abuse will lead to arrest and prosecution. Even if someone avoids penalties brought by the state, it’s possible that coworkers, family members or anyone else aware of their struggles could report them. Addiction is a safety and compliance concern in the pharmacy world, and substantiated claims of substance abuse could affect someone’s eligibility for their license. Typically, the pharmacist whose license is at risk will have the option of defending themselves in front of the board, but they will usually need advance preparation and legal support to secure the best possible results in such hearings.
Learning about the personal issues that could put someone’s pharmaceutical license at risk may help people protect what they have already invested in their careers.