Pharmacists work with controlled substances all day at work. This gives them a much better understanding than the general public has about the dangers that different drugs pose. However, understanding addiction in theory doesn’t make someone less susceptible to it.
Pharmacists work long, demanding hours. They may turn to medication to help themselves relax at night, to stay awake at work or to control the pain that they have from being on their feet all day. Having access to controlled substances might mean the pharmacist starts breaking the laws for their own benefit.
A pharmacist charged with a drug-related offense faces not just jail but also the loss of the profession in which they invested so much time and money to get licensed.
A pharmacist’s license is subject to state review
State licensing boards help enforce codes of conduct and protect the public from unscrupulous or incompetent professionals. They don’t just approve someone when they first apply. They also review complaints and maintain standards for the renewal of a professional’s state license to dispense drugs.
Unfortunately, they can also put pressure on competent licensed professionals dealing with difficult personal or medical issues. A pharmacist accused of a drug-related offense could find their license at risk if someone reports them to the licensing board or they wind up convicted. Any drug convictions will will show up during the background check for the next licensing renewal.
Pharmacists dealing with addiction-related criminal charges or other professional issues have the right to defend themselves. You can bring an attorney to criminal court and to any hearings in front of the state licensing board.
Avoiding a conviction can make it easier to defend your license, but you can also protect your license even after a conviction or a guilty plea with the right approach and legal guidance.