Montana News: A Reminder from your Board Inspector with Regard to Pharmacy Inspections

October 1, 2006 3:58 PM Topics: Inspection

Reprinted from the October 2006 Minnesota Board of Pharmacy Newsletter.

By Bill Sybrant, Board Inspector

A completed on-site inspection is not a guaranteed stamp of approval that a site is 100% compliant. During routine inspection, which can last anywhere from one-half hour to several hours, it is impossible to inspect every aspect of a pharmacy’s operation. It is completely possible that a deficiency or an area of noncompliance may go unnoticed during an inspection. The fact that a specific problem or condition was not identified previously does not mean that the pharmacy cannot be cited simply because it has been occurring for years and was not detected or noticed before. The PIC is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the pharmacy and its staff are in compliance with all pharmacy laws and rules regardless of what the inspector may or may not have observed during previous inspections. All pharmacy staff should understand the significance of the PIC position and how the PIC is looked to by the Board when it needs specific questions answered involving his or her pharmacy.

A citation may be issued for noncompliance during a routine inspection and is issued to the PIC, the pharmacy, or in some situations, to both. Conditions in a pharmacy that are unsatisfactory or require improvement must also be corrected within the time frame indicated on the inspection form by the next routine inspection in order to avoid a possible citation. As always, I appreciate your continued efforts to remain compliant in your practice of pharmacy throughout Montana. I may be reached at 406/439-6015 or bsybrant@mt.gov to answer your questions.