Georgia State Board of Pharmacy
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
(478) 207-2440 phone
(866) 888-1308 fax
www.sos.ga.gov/plb/pharmacy

Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards:
PLB is working diligently to become one of the most technologically advanced licensing agencies in the country.  Throughout this year we have continued to review our business processes and implement technology to increase our performance levels and customer service for our licensees and the general public.

This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications.  We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year.  There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications.

Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section.  Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia.  More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized.

PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible.  We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.

Regards,
Randy Vaughn
Director of the Professional Licensing Boards

The Georgia State Board of Pharmacy consists of eight members: seven licensed pharmacists and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets twelve times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed.

The practice of pharmacy consists of the art and science that deals with the nature, preparation, administration, and effects of drugs and medications. Pharmacists may dispense drugs or devices as authorized by a written prescription of a physician or authorized practitioner of the healing arts. As a learned science, pharmacist licensure is considered after meeting specific pharmaceutical educational, internship/externship requirements and examination. All pharmacies are inspected prior to licensure and as needed and must meet specific standards for operation.

Minutes from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/pharmacy.

2009 Meeting Dates:

October 14, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
October 15, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
November 18, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
December 16, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
December 17, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon.

Board Members:

Board Staff:

Anita Martin
Executive Director
Georgia State Board of Pharmacy

Number of Active Licensees:

Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy

July: The Board voted to accept public consent orders from the following licensees:
• Amy K. Dunahoo, Gainesville: One year probation.
• Billy T. Green, Valdosta: Sixty day suspension.
• CVS Pharmacy, Riverdale: Fined $1,000.

The Board voted to accept the voluntary surrender of the following individual’s license:
• James “Mickey” Scandlyn, Marietta
 
August: The Board voted to accept the Voluntary Surrender of the following individual’s license:
• Pauline M. Badiki, Atlanta

September: The Board voted to accept non-disciplinary reinstatement consent orders on the following individuals:
• Stanley R. Lewis, Houston, TX
• Don K. Ritchie, Dade City, FL

License Renewals:

Licenses expire as follows:

Pharmacists: December 31st of even numbered years
Nuclear Pharmacists: December 31st of even numbered years
Clinic Pharmacy: June 30th of odd numbered years
Home Healthcare, Retail Pharmacy: June 30th of odd numbered years
Hospital Pharmacy: June 30th of odd numbered years
Limited Chemical Wholesale Distributors: June 30th of odd numbered years
Manufacturing Pharmacy: June 30th of odd numbered years
Nuclear Pharmacy: June 30th of odd numbered years
Opioid Treatment Clinic Pharmacy: June 30th of odd numbered years
PBM-Retail Pharmacy: June 30th of odd numbered years
Prison Pharmacy: June 30th of odd numbered years
Retail Pharmacy: June 30th of odd numbered years
School Pharmacy: June 30th of odd numbered years
Wholesaler Pharmacy: June 30th of odd numbered years
Researcher Pharmacy: June 30th of even numbered years

It is illegal to practice as a pharmacist with an expired license.

How do I renew my license? 

You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license.

The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice.

Disciplinary Issues:

The Board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and applies sanctions to those who violate the Georgia Board of Pharmacy Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/pharmacy.

All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia Board of Pharmacy website.

Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 26-4-60 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia Board of Pharmacy website.

Georgia State Board of Pharmacy Complaints Process Information:

The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia Board of Pharmacy to regulate the licensing and regulation of pharmacists and pharmacies in Georgia. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 26-4 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows:

Complaint Form:

Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules.

Investigations:

The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Complaints are referred to Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency for an investigation. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Georgia Drugs and Narcotics agent for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority.

Notification Process:

While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions:

A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440.