08-20104-17

SUMMARY OF: A Sunset Review of the Department of Commerce,

Community, and Economic Development,

Board of Pharmacy

Why DLA Performed This Audit

The purpose of the audit was to determine if there is a need for the board’s continued existence and whether its termination date should be extended. The board is set to sunset June 30, 2018, and will have one year from that date to conclude its administrative operations.

Report Conclusions

The audit concluded the board operated in the public interest by effectively licensing pharmacists, pharmacy interns, pharmacy technicians, in-state pharmacies, drug rooms, and wholesale distributors. Board meetings were conducted in accordance with applicable laws and the board was active in amending regulations to improve the industry.

In accordance with AS 08.03.010(c)(16), the board is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2018. In recognition of recent statutory changes that expands the board’s responsibilities in relation to the controlled substance prescription database, we recommend that the legislature extend the board’s termination only four years to June 30, 2022.

Findings and Recommendations

  1. Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing’s (DCBPL) chief investigator should work with the director to improve the timeliness of investigations.
  2.  DCBPL’s director should improve procedures to ensure required licensure documentation is appropriately obtained and retained.