reporting a pharmacy to BOP

[think]

Hello Everyone,
I am back here after a while.I got a nice job and doing pretty good, but recently came up on a difficult decision so i thought I would ask here. I just became aware of a pharmacy that does not have a pharmacist on duty for almost half the day almost everyday. I know this through friends working there. I was thinking of reporting them to the Board but the form asks me to give my personal information and also asks if I would appear in court or something crazy like that. What would you do in my situation? Has anyone done this before and what is the process like?
P.s. I feel like it is my professional duty to report but I don't wanna get caught up in any kind of mess and have my license be in jeopardy.
Thanks for your help🙂

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[wucool33]

Huh? How would this put ur license in jeopardy? Unless u r the owner of that pharmacy...

 

[think]

it is not my pharmacy lol I am just worried because this is my first time coming across anything like this and I am not sure how everything works
IF any one has done this or has experience with please share your opinion

 

[rjk]

call the state board from a pay phone and tell them you would like to file an anonymous report.

they may or may not take you seriously if you are not willing to provide your info

 

[rph3664]

You could give a fake name if you wanted. Chances are, the Board already has received reports on them, for this or other things, but if you know something like this is going on and DON'T report it, YOU can be the one who gets in trouble. Are they dispensing prescriptions when a pharmacist is not there? If they are, that's blatantly illegal. However, some places allow rural pharmacies to share a pharmacist, and they can check prescriptions via Skype or similar methods with a waiver.

I was recently in a health food store around the corner from one of the places where I base my hobby business, and I found out that the owner, who is not any kind of licensed health care professional, gives medical advice to customers. 😱 I didn't say anything, but walked out without purchasing anything, and reported them to the state medical board via their online reporting system. I got a form letter a few days ago stating that they'd look into it.

My old town had a little hole-in-the-wall store like this, and some women at my craft group complained that she wouldn't recommend specific things. They would come in and say things like, "I heard that oregano oil helps with fibromyalgia. What do you think?" and she would reply, "I have customers who use it." I told them that doing otherwise would be practicing medicine without a license, and that inspectors have conducted stings at these places and arrested clerks for doing exactly that. 😱

 

[think]

ok sounds good i am gona fill out the paper work and send it in today also call the board on monday 🙂

 

[SELDANE]

Hello Everyone,
I am back here after a while.I got a nice job and doing pretty good, but recently came up on a difficult decision so i thought I would ask here. I just became aware of a pharmacy that does not have a pharmacist on duty for almost half the day almost everyday. I know this through friends working there. I was thinking of reporting them to the Board but the form asks me to give my personal information and also asks if I would appear in court or something crazy like that. What would you do in my situation? Has anyone done this before and what is the process like?
P.s. I feel like it is my professional duty to report but I don't wanna get caught up in any kind of mess and have my license be in jeopardy.
Thanks for your help🙂

Don't you have anything better to do with your time?

 

[BMBiology]

how can a pharmacy operate without a pharmacist? yes, let the bop know

 

[wucool33]

Don't you have anything better to do with your time?

What are you talking about? He's doing what he's supposed to do... Wow... I hope you are not related to the pharmacy field if you don't even care about this.

 

[Digsbe]

You're doing the right thing in notifying the BOP. Regardless, I also think there are "Whistle Blower" laws in place to prevent backlash against you if you report a violation in good faith.

 

[SELDANE]

What are you talking about? He's doing what he's supposed to do... Wow... I hope you are not related to the pharmacy field if you don't even care about this.

Don't you even find it somewhat disconcerting that the poster of this thread is talking about jeopardizing the license of some pharmacy/pharmacist based on a conversation with someone who works at said pharmacy. Furthermore, he/she goes on to explain they don't want to get any dirt on their own skirt ( jeopardizing of their own license) but sure as hell have no problem going after someone else's license. One of the mental giants that supports this action elaborates about the reporter calling the BOP from a pay phone using a fake name. Hell, why not wear a fake mustache while your at it. As for questioning my roll in pharmacy, I question your ability to look at a situation and see the big picture. Some pharmacy violating a pharmacist/tech ratio is really small compared to what the poster of this thread is proposing to do.

 

[wucool33]

Don't you even find it somewhat disconcerting that the poster of this thread is talking about jeopardizing the license of some pharmacy/pharmacist based on a conversation with someone who works at said pharmacy. Furthermore, he/she goes on to explain they don't want to get any dirt on their own skirt ( jeopardizing of their own license) but sure as hell have no problem going after someone else's license. One of the mental giants that supports this action elaborates about the reporter calling the BOP from a pay phone using a fake name. Hell, why not wear a fake mustache while your at it. As for questioning my roll in pharmacy, I question your ability to look at a situation and see the big picture. Some pharmacy violating a pharmacist/tech ratio is really small compared to what the poster of this thread is proposing to do.

Violating a pharmacist/tech ratio is a little different than not having a pharmacist on duty AT ALL... I hope you see that. Also, what big picture are you talking about? If the allegation is true, then that pharmacy should be shut down anyway. If it's not true, then nothing will happen. I don't see why you wouldn't at least get someone to look into it. it literally will do no harm to anyone.

 

[fiestychix03]

My question is what type of setting is this? I have worked in a setting that is run by doctors and nurses and no pharmacist intact. It was a inpatient chemo infusion setting. If this is a retal setting you are talking about OP then that's not good.

 

[smercer]

Violating a pharmacist/tech ratio is a little different than not having a pharmacist on duty AT ALL... I hope you see that. Also, what big picture are you talking about? If the allegation is true, then that pharmacy should be shut down anyway. If it's not true, then nothing will happen. I don't see why you wouldn't at least get someone to look into it. it literally will do no harm to anyone.

Reading comprehension FTW!!!

I mean good thing no one reported about the crappy conditions of the New England Compounding Center before the meningitis outbreak. People would have lost their jobs and that would have been so much worse than the 40 or so patients who died because they did not follow protocol.

 

[SELDANE]

Reading comprehension FTW!!!

I mean good thing no one reported about the crappy conditions of the New England Compounding Center before the meningitis outbreak. People would have lost their jobs and that would have been so much worse than the 40 or so patients who died because they did not follow protocol.

Well said and point taken. However, my beef is with an individual that has no qualms about reporting another pharmacist anonymously based solely on hearsay. Suffice to say the anonymous stance speaks of cowardice.

 

[zelman]

Well said and point taken. However, my beef is with an individual that has no qualms about reporting another pharmacist anonymously based solely on hearsay. Suffice to say the anonymous stance speaks of cowardice.

It's not like they're going to kick in the door and handcuff everyone. It'll just end up with a BOP inspector visiting, which they should be doing anyway.

 

[SELDANE]

It's not like they're going to kick in the door and handcuff everyone. It'll just end up with a BOP inspector visiting, which they should be doing anyway.

Granted, I don't expect the BOP to show up with guns a blazing, but if their visit is as innocuous as you say then why does the original poster concern themselves with anonymity?

 

[legrita]

If they are doing the right thing, then there's nothing to worry about. I think, REPORT IT! Anonymously or publicly!

 

[SELDANE]

If they are doing the right thing, then there's nothing to worry about. I think, REPORT IT! Anonymously or publicly!

From the responses on this post it's pretty obvious to me that many of you have had very little if any dealings with a state board of pharmacy, be it an audit or routine inspection. Regardless, I still feel that an anonymous complaint warrants little credence if the offended party lacks the conviction to put their name behind it.

 

[think]

wow I cant believe how some people take things to the wrong way lol
anyways I want to protect my self from the owners of the pharmacy. They might try to run me over with their car if they find out who it was lol .. I don't know... as I said before this is my first time even coming across something like this. I do not have a problem with the BOARD knowing who I am I just don't want the pharmacy to know it was me that's all.
And I think as a pharmacist it is my duty to report this..Its a duty to my profession
How would you feel if you found out your prescriptions were being checked/dispensed by just a tech??
I feel sorry for the customers who go there I want to help these people who have no idea there is no pharmacist there. they think the TECH IS THE PHARMACIST!! this is credible news from people working there!!

IF this pharmacy is doing everything correctly without any illegal activities they have nothing to worry about at all. Ill let you guys know what the board says or if anything happens


AGAIN WANNA MAKE THIS CLEAR THERE IS NO PHARMACIST THERE AT ALL ( for like half the day) NOWHERE IN THE BUILDING not even close by!!! tech does all the work check/dispense/counsel!! you name it !!!

 

[think]

Well said and point taken. However, my beef is with an individual that has no qualms about reporting another pharmacist anonymously based solely on hearsay. Suffice to say the anonymous stance speaks of cowardice.

just wow wow wow!!!!call me a coward I am scared and whats wrong with that? I am worried about my safety...I dont know to what extent these things can go This is my first time doing this so i have to be careful. think whatever you want of me 🙂
BTW this is small community pharmacy ( not a chain)

 

[owlegrad]

If the claim is factual, you need to report it for sure. A tech pretending to be the pharmacist and doing pharmacist only functions? No bueno.

 

[BidingMyTime]

You need to report this. Even if its anonymously, you need to report this. (I think your fears of giving your name are a bit unjustified, even if you gave your name to the BOP, they shouldn't be giving your name to the owner of the pharmacy.) But, I don't know your situation, so if you really don't feel you can give your name, you should still report it. (or better yet, have one of your friends who has first hand knowledge of the situation report it--although I can understand that they would be hesitant to because they work there, still if they are working in the pharmacy, they should know they risk losing their tech/intern license because of this situation, they need to get out of that situation and/or report the situation.)

 

[think]

You need to report this. Even if its anonymously, you need to report this. (I think your fears of giving your name are a bit unjustified, even if you gave your name to the BOP, they shouldn't be giving your name to the owner of the pharmacy.) But, I don't know your situation, so if you really don't feel you can give your name, you should still report it. (or better yet, have one of your friends who has first hand knowledge of the situation report it--although I can understand that they would be hesitant to because they work there, still if they are working in the pharmacy, they should know they risk losing their tech/intern license because of this situation, they ne
ed to get out of that situation and/or report the situation.)

t
I already did !
I told the board who I was

 

[SELDANE]

wow I cant believe how some people take things to the wrong way lol
anyways I want to protect my self from the owners of the pharmacy. They might try to run me over with their car if they find out who it was lol .. I don't know... as I said before this is my first time even coming across something like this. I do not have a problem with the BOARD knowing who I am I just don't want the pharmacy to know it was me that's all.
And I think as a pharmacist it is my duty to report this..Its a duty to my profession
How would you feel if you found out your prescriptions were being checked/dispensed by just a tech??
I feel sorry for the customers who go there I want to help these people who have no idea there is no pharmacist there. they think the TECH IS THE PHARMACIST!! this is credible news from people working there!!

IF this pharmacy is doing everything correctly without any illegal activities they have nothing to worry about at all. Ill let you guys know what the board says or if anything happens


AGAIN WANNA MAKE THIS CLEAR THERE IS NO PHARMACIST THERE AT ALL ( for like half the day) NOWHERE IN THE BUILDING not even close by!!! tech does all the work check/dispense/counsel!! you name it !!!

If the violations of pharmacy law are as egregious as you write then you should have no misgivings about telling the BOP your name and why you are reporting such a pharmacy. Furthermore, your conviction and outrage should be just as strong should you ever encounter this delinquent pharmacist. If you were a PIC or DOP of a pharmacy and had an employee that after multiple counseling sessions still refused to follow proper procedure would you have a problem looking the employee squarely in the eye and telling them they were fired? Or would you have the firing take place on your day off and conducted by a hospital director or store manager? I understand that reporting a pharmacist to the BOP and firing an employee are different situations, but both instances require the same amount integrity and conviction.
Without question this pharmacy needs to be reported. That being said, the only thing discerning a legitimate complaint and the spreading of hearsay gossip is the fact that someone is willing to put their name and credibility behind it.

 

[rxlea]

If the violations of pharmacy law are as egregious as you write then you should have no misgivings about telling the BOP your name and why you are reporting such a pharmacy. Furthermore, your conviction and outrage should be just as strong should you ever encounter this delinquent pharmacist. If you were a PIC or DOP of a pharmacy and had an employee that after multiple counseling sessions still refused to follow proper procedure would you have a problem looking the employee squarely in the eye and telling them they were fired? Or would you have the firing take place on your day off and conducted by a hospital director or store manager? I understand that reporting a pharmacist to the BOP and firing an employee are different situations, but both instances require the same amount integrity and conviction.
Without question this pharmacy needs to be reported. That being said, the only thing discerning a legitimate complaint and the spreading of hearsay gossip is the fact that someone is willing to put their name and credibility behind it.

Have you ever been a whistle blower?

I have, and there is nothing more disconcerting than being retaliated against because you gave your name.

I don't think it's unjustified to wish to remain anonymous. It's why things like compliance lines are available for employees to call and make anonymous reports. Those are typically run by external companies. I personally wouldn't trust the board to keep my report anonymous.

 

[Ackj]

Have you ever been a whistle blower?

I have, and there is nothing more disconcerting than being retaliated against because you gave your name.

I don't think it's unjustified to wish to remain anonymous. It's why things like compliance lines are available for employees to call and make anonymous reports. Those are typically run by external companies. I personally wouldn't trust the board to keep my report anonymous.

I agree,especially how we all know about the pharmacy world being small. Probably not a good thing to be known as a rat that got a pharmacy shut down, even if it is the right thing to do.

Personally, I would want some more evidence before filing a report than just some rumors, but then again, they are the investigators, not you. If they aren't doing anything wrong and it is just a rumor, they have nothing to worry about. On the other hand, hopefully they don't just luck out and have an inspector show up on the small window when the pharmacist is there if they are really having the tech run the show.

Keep us updated!

 

[rjk]

Don't you even find it somewhat disconcerting that the poster of this thread is talking about jeopardizing the license of some pharmacy/pharmacist based on a conversation with someone who works at said pharmacy. Furthermore, he/she goes on to explain they don't want to get any dirt on their own skirt ( jeopardizing of their own license) but sure as hell have no problem going after someone else's license. One of the mental giants that supports this action elaborates about the reporter calling the BOP from a pay phone using a fake name. Hell, why not wear a fake mustache while your at it. As for questioning my roll in pharmacy, I question your ability to look at a situation and see the big picture. Some pharmacy violating a pharmacist/tech ratio is really small compared to what the poster of this thread is proposing to do.

So, let me see if I understand your strong, albeit grammatically flawed stance...

It is better to let an issue go, even when it may be potentially dangerous (i.e. techs counseling patients/dispensing without a RPh present) than to call the governing body and tell them that there could *possibly* be an issue that warrants *investigation* which *may* *possibly* lead to someone losing their license. A license which, to receive, they were required to pass an exam on the state's pharmacy law.

It takes a lot to lose your license once you get it. There must be blatant disregard for the laws. The BOP will not go in and tear someone down based on a complaint, especially a second-hand-anonymous complaint.

The "big picture" as I see it is the safety of patients, not some dude's license who may be seriously cutting corners.

 

[SELDANE]

t
I already did !
I told the board who I was

For whatever it's worth, I think you did the right thing.

 

[npage148]

People potentially being killed/hurt by a pharmacy being run in a highly illegal manner vs. potentially being retaliated by some scumbag pharmacy owner

tough choice, lets debate some more

 

[SELDANE]

Have you ever been a whistle blower?

I have, and there is nothing more disconcerting than being retaliated against because you gave your name.

I don't think it's unjustified to wish to remain anonymous. It's why things like compliance lines are available for employees to call and make anonymous reports. Those are typically run by external companies. I personally wouldn't trust the board to keep my report anonymous.[/]

Yes, I have been a whistle blower and yes it was tough. But no one ever said that having principles or a moral code was going to be a walk in the park. By the way, I think you are wise to doubt the ability of the state board to keep a report of compliance violation anonymous.

 

[Doctor 101]

Mind your own business GREENHORN......if the pharmacy is running fine with the way it is, than just leave it alone. otherwise good people will be out of work.
If you don't like what you see get another job and work some place else. I'm tired of people like you who see some minor issue as unethical and right away run to the law....just to make you feel that you did some good in the world........guess what honest john, you will do more harm than good, the world is not perfect, humans are not perfect, so you need to live with it or get your own island and rule your little kingdom how you feel fit... If in fact you do report this to the BOP, I hope they drag your ass into court and you are fully exposed as a rat snitch.....and get black balled in the Pharmacy world were nobody will ever hire you again.
the only pills you will be pushing are Amway vitamins, or herbal life stool softeners.

 

[Doctor 101]

EXCELLENT POINT ...........Gather your facts, see things happen first, before you turn peoples lives upsidedown......don't just go off water cooler talk.

 

[Sparda29]

Snitches get stitches.

 

[Ackj]

Mind your own business GREENHORN......if the pharmacy is running fine with the way it is, than just leave it alone. otherwise good people will be out of work.

You honestly think it's okay that a pharmacy is being run without a pharmacist?

How about if all CVS and Walgreens adopted that same policy? Think any good people would be out of work if that happened?

 

[Carboxide]

You honestly think it's okay that a pharmacy is being run without a pharmacist?

How about if all CVS and Walgreens adopted that same policy? Think any good people would be out of work if that happened?

Forget work, do you think any good people would be DEAD if that happened?