Streamlining discipline in California (maybe)

APC, along with a coalition of hard-working, hard-advocating California compounders, is giving a thumbs-up to a bill that’s actively advancing in California: AB 2141, authored by Assemblyman Joe Patterson, would create a more efficient process for the California State Board of Pharmacy to resolve at least some disciplinary matters.

The idea is this: Instead of every potential disciplinary action going through a drawn-out process, licensees would be able to opt into a “stipulated settlement and disciplinary order” instead. It would be much quicker: The licensee would explain how he or she is going to correct the problematic behavior, and then a board committee can suggest a settlement. If the board (and the licensee) like it, great. If not, the board can proceed with the current, formal disciplinary process.

It streamlines what can be a long and stressful procedure — longer and more stressful than is really necessary, especially for minor issues. We think it’s a win for both pharmacists and the board of pharmacy, all of whom have more important issues to think about.