If you applied for a pharmacist license only to receive a denial, do not feel discouraged. Many pharmacists do not receive their license on the first go. There are many reasons for a denial: a mistake in the paperwork, a disciplinary action or even a mistake on the licensing board’s part. Whatever the grounds for the denial, you still have the right to appeal the decision.
What to know about the appeals process
It is critical that you follow the steps in the appeals process to the letter. These are the steps of the appeals process for a denied pharmacist license in California:
- Submit a written appeal
Within 60 days of receiving your denial, you must submit a written appeal to the California State Board of Pharmacy. If you miss this deadline, then you waive your right to an appeal.
- Review your Statement of Issues
The board will send you a document called a Statement of Issues. This document enumerates the reasons why the board decided to deny your licensure. Review it carefully and remedy the issues that contributed to your license denial.
- Attend a hearing
You will receive a date for an administrative hearing. At your hearing, an administrative law judge and a deputy attorney general representing the board will hear your case. It is wise to have an attorney represent you at this hearing.
- Receive your decision
Finally, the administrative judge will issue their decision. The judge will either uphold the denial or grant your appeal. If the judge denies your license again, you must wait one year before reapplying.
A weak appeal or an appeal that has errors could result in the board upholding the denial. One option to ensure that you have a strong appeal is to work with a license defense attorney who can defend you at your administrative hearing. With wise representation and a bit of luck, you can win your pharmacist license.
