Iowa Board of Pharmacy

Question: What happens if the Board files formal charges against a licensee or registrant?

Once formal charges have been filed, the case is referred to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution and scheduled for an evidentiary hearing before the Board. State law encourages the Board to enter into informal settlement negotiations prior to the initiation of "contested case proceedings." If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to hearing. At the hearing, the State's case is presented by an Assistant Attorney General. The licensee or registrant who is the Respondent in the case may be represented by private counsel or may present his or her case defense to the Board.

In accordance with statutory requirements, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals presides over the Board hearings. The ALJ assists the Board in preparing the final decision based on the evidence presented at the hearing.

State law provides that all parties to a contested case have the right to appeal a final decision of the Board within 30 days.