IDFPR Enforcement of Pharmacy Practice Laws and Regulations

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are highly regulated by the State of Illinois. There are a number of different statutes that apply to pharmacy practice, as well as extensive administrative regulations. The primary statute that regulated the profession is the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act. The law and regulations include:

• Licensing standards and requirements
• Scope of pharmacy practice and standards of care
• Education requirements and standards
• Disciplinary action for violations of laws and regulations

The significant degree of regulation for pharmacy professionals reflects the government’s interest in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of citizens. Only pharmacies and pharmacists who meet specific requirements are permitted to practice in Illinois. IDFPR offers several categories of licenses:

• Pharmacy
• Pharmacist, Registered
• Pharmacy Technician, Registered
• Pharmacy Controlled Substance

When Can a Pharmacist Lose His or Her License — or Face Professional Discipline — in Illinois?

The Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act contains numerous types of conduct that can warrant disciplinary action. Examples of issues regulated by the Act and the corresponding administrative rules include:

• Material misstatements in obtaining a license or providing information to IDFPR;
• A pattern of conduct that demonstrates incompetence or unfitness to practice;
• Conduct that is unprofessional, dishonorable, or unethical and likely to harm the public;
• Adverse license action in another state;
• Selling free drug samples from manufacturers;
• Physical or mental illness that results in the inability to practice pharmacy;
• Conviction of a felony or certain misdemeanors;
• Habitual or excessive use or addiction to alcohol or drugs;
• Making false records;
• Gross and willful overcharging for professional services;
• Dispensing prescription drugs without receiving a prescription;
• A substantial discrepancy finding in an IDFPR audit;
• Failure to dispense drugs in good faith;
• Disclosure of health information protected by federal or state law.