What actions can the BOP take against a pharmacist who is deemed unable to perform their duties?

The Board of Pharmacy (BOP) has a range of actions it can take when it determines that a pharmacist is unable to perform their duties. Placing a pharmacist on probation or suspending their certificate is a corrective action that allows the BOP to monitor the pharmacist’s progress and health over a set period while still retaining some level of oversight in their practice. This option is beneficial as it can provide the affected individual a chance to rectify their issues while protecting public safety and ensuring compliance with professional standards.

Probation might include specific requirements such as regular check-ins with a mentor or restrictions on the pharmacist’s practice, while suspension may temporarily remove the pharmacist's ability to practice until certain conditions are met. This approach focuses on rehabilitation and supports the idea that pharmacists may be able to return to practice under improved circumstances after addressing their inability to perform their duties competently.

In contrast, options like only issuing a warning don't adequately address situations where a pharmacist may pose a risk to public safety. Immediate revocation of a license is an extreme measure reserved for the most severe violations, and increasing continuing education requirements does not directly deal with the underlying issues affecting a pharmacist's ability to perform their duties. Thus, placing the pharmacist on probation or suspending their certificate is a more