Board staff report completion of routine inspections for pharmacies licensed more than four years

The California State Board of Pharmacy’s Enforcement and Compounding Committee heard an annual update on the Board’s inspection program on June 11, 2025, where staff reported this year’s inspection totals and common compliance problems.

Julie Ansell, deputy executive officer, told the Committee that inspectors had completed 2,833 inspections through May 15, 2025, and that “every pharmacy licensed for more than 4 years has received a routine inspection.” She said the Board’s strategic objective calls for routine inspections of all licensed pharmacies at least every four years.

The presentation broke out visit types and outcomes. For the current fiscal year the Board completed 1,464 routine inspections as of May 15, 2025; 1,135 were “true” routine visits (the inspector went solely to that pharmacy) and 329 were routine inspections conducted while on probation, complaint, or compounding renewal visits. Of the 1,135 true routine inspections, approximately 46% had no violations; others received corrections or written notices. Inspectors also reported outcomes for complaint and probation visits and for annual compounding inspections.

Staff identified different top corrections in chain and non‑chain settings. Common chain corrections included pharmacy operations, display of license and vaccine administration; non‑chain pharmacies commonly had inventory reconciliation problems, consultation shortcomings and operational or security issues. Ansell used California Code of Regulations section 17.14 as an example of a single violation that can encompass a spectrum of behaviors—from a dusty shelf to a security lapse with non‑pharmacists holding keys.

Committee members urged clearer public education about inspection findings. Nicole Thiebaud asked staff to clarify the difference between a “correction” and a “written notice.” Ansell explained that corrections are noted on inspection reports and generally addressed with the licensee without further action, while a written notice documents a violation that may require additional investigation. Members suggested a short public handout or FAQ to explain those steps.

Ansell said inspectors will keep focusing on education during inspections; the Board has resources such as the Ask an Inspector program, a “how to prepare” video, a pharmacy inspections brochure and a self‑assessment that pharmacists in charge must complete. She reported the Board assigned more than 1,550 routine inspections last week to prepare for fiscal year 2025–26.

Committee members commended field staff for achieving the four‑year inspection goal and asked staff to include more granular license‑category breakdowns in next year’s presentation.