Iowa Board of Pharmacy sanctions 9 Iowa Walgreens for several alleged violations

(ABC 6 News) – The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has sanctioned nine Iowa Walgreens pharmacies for several alleged violations.

On May 3, 2022, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy found probable cause to file a statement of six charges against the Mason City Walgreens, located at 1251 4th St. SW. The charges are below.

• Practicing in a manner that is harmful to the public.
• Failure to employ an adequate number of personnel.
• Failure to ensure that the perpetual inventory record for Schedule II controlled substance is accurate and matches the actual on-hand inventory at all times.
• Failure to transfer prescriptions to another pharmacy upon request of a patient
• Failure to follow requirements when there is a change in pharmacist-in-charge
• Failing to create and maintain complete and accurate records as required by state or federal law or regulation or rule of the board.

According to the Iowa Board of Pharmacy, the Mason City Walgreens pharmacy underwent an inspection in December 2021.

During the inspection, the board compliance officer noticed inadequate staffing, and that the store had experienced high staffing turnover.

Also, three different Schedule II controlled substances were counted, and all showed discrepancies between the perpetual inventory and the actual on-hand inventory.

The Board also noted there was a permanent pharmacist-in-charge position vacated on or around March 9, 2021. The Board says they did not receive notification of the temporary pharmacist-in-charge, and did not receive an application when the new permanent pharmacist-in-charge was named until December of that year.

The Board also claims that during the week of January 17, 2022, the pharmacy was intermittently closed during regular business hours due to lack of pharmacist coverage. When the pharmacy was able to find coverage and open, the pharmacists were unable to transfer prescriptions when requested by patients. As a result, some patients were unable to access their medications.

The Board has assessed the store a $20,000 civil penalty. However, $10,000 of that will be stayed if the store complies with other conditions imposed by the board.

The pharmacy has also been placed on probation for 18 months, and subjected to several terms.

To learn more and read the terms, view the document below.

To view the other Iowa pharmacies facing alleged violations, CLICK HERE.