Gleichen, Alta., pharmacist fined $16K after allowing unregulated staff to hand out prescriptions
![Gleichen, Alta., pharmacist fined $16K The Alberta College of Pharmacy has issued a fine and suspension for a Gleichen, Alta., pharmacist over her unprofessional conduct. (Pexels)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/1/27/gleichen--alta---pharmacist-fined--16k-1-6249089-1674838090722.jpg)
A pharmacist in a hamlet east of Calgary has been sanctioned by the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) after she allowed unregulated staff members to fill and hand out prescriptions to customers.
The penalty comes after the ACP tribunal said Bernadette Galang admitted to unprofessional conduct at her business, the Medicine Shoppe #416, located in Gleichen, Alta.
The board says she has built a system where there were times when the pharmacy was open to the public on Fridays without having a pharmacist present and unregulated staff members were "performing pharmacy services and restricted activities."
The ACP says those included:
- Preparing prescriptions;
- Providing prepared prescriptions to patients;
- Accessing and disclosing health information;
- Creating and maintaining health records; and
- Securing drugs.
"The hearing tribunal found that through the pharmacist’s actions, the potential for patient harm was created, the integrity of the profession was undermined, and the public's trust in the profession was decreased," the ACP wrote in a statement.
"The hearing tribunal found the pharmacist’s conduct was unprofessional and, as a proprietor, she had engaged in misconduct."
It says while Galang admitted fault, the tribunal issued a $6,000 fine, along with an order to pay $10,000 toward the costs of investigation and hearing.
"Her conduct demonstrated a lack of judgment when she allowed the pharmacy to operate in breach of the requirements relating to pharmacies, by failing to employ the requisite number of staff with the training and qualifications to provide safe and effective pharmacy services," the ACP's statement continued.
"This was a lack of judgment because it could have put the public at risk due to the lack of appropriate supervision and pharmaceutical knowledge during the hours when a pharmacist was not present. In addition, there was a failure of supervision of the pharmacy’s unregulated employees, including the allowance of carrying out restricted activities, which demonstrated a clear lack of knowledge and/or judgment."
Galang's practice permit was also suspended for three months, with one month to be served between Jan. 19 and Feb. 18.
The remaining two months should be served after she has completed the ACP's licensee education program.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.