Powers and duties generally.

The board shall exercise, subject to this chapter, the following powers and duties:

(1) To adopt rules concerning the records and reports to be kept and made by a pharmacy relating to the filling of prescriptions and the handling and preservation of drugs.

(2) To fix standards and requirements for licenses and permits except as otherwise specified in this chapter.

(3) To make rules and regulations regarding sanitation consistent with state health regulations.

(4) To employ such chemists, agents, clerical help, and attorneys necessary for the proper administration of the duties of the board.

(5) To employ a Chief Drug Investigator and such other drug investigators that it deems necessary to enforce this chapter which are under the supervision of the board.

(6) To adopt rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and not inconsistent herewith. Such rules and regulations shall be referenced to the section or sections of this chapter which set forth the legislative standard which it interprets or to which it applies. Every such rule and regulation shall be adopted in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act. A copy of every rule and regulation containing a requirement of general application shall be electronically mailed to each registered pharmacist at least 10 days before the effective date thereof. A printed copy of such rules and regulations shall be mailed to any registered pharmacist upon written request to the board.

(7) To investigate violations of this chapter or any other law pertaining to the practice of pharmacy that may come to the knowledge of the board and institute or cause to be instituted before the board or in a proper court appropriate proceedings in connection therewith.

(8) To issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of all necessary papers, books and records, documentary evidence and materials, or other evidence in matters pending before the board relating to the revocation, suspension, or probation of any license. Those persons issued subpoenas and compelled to attend hearings or meetings in matters pending before the board shall be entitled to witness fees from board funds. Claims for witness fees shall be made on accepted State of Alabama voucher forms as appropriate. Travel and mileage expenses shall be reimbursed to witnesses in the amounts officially authorized to the board and its personnel at the time the service to the board is performed.

(9) To administer oaths in connection with the duties of the board.

(10) To make a written report annually of its receipts and disbursements to the Governor and to the State Pharmaceutical Association. Included in this report shall be the names of all registrants licensed to practice under this chapter and a record of all permits issued during the period covered by the report.

(11) To enforce the state barbiturate act, the state amphetamine act, the state narcotic law, and all other laws of the state which pertain to the practice of pharmacy, the examination of applicants, the licensing of pharmacists, the manufacture, packaging, repackaging, production, sale, or distribution of drugs, chemicals, and poisons, and all laws pertaining to standards for their strength and purity. The board may work in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies to enforce any law pertaining to the practice of pharmacy. Nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive the State Board of Health of any powers or duties otherwise prescribed by law including the enforcement of the narcotic law.

(12) To investigate alleged violations of this chapter or any rule or regulation published by the board and conduct hearings to revoke, suspend, or probate any license or permit granted by the board under this chapter and to invoke penalties not to exceed the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation and to institute any legal proceedings necessary to effect compliance with this chapter; provided, that any person, firm, or corporation subjected to such penalty or legal proceedings may take an appeal in accordance with Section 34-23-94.

(13) On application of any person and payment of the cost therefor, the secretary of the board shall furnish, under its seal and signed by the secretary, a certified copy of the license or permit of the requestor, or a certified copy of a regulation or rule of the board. In any court or proceeding, such copy shall be prima facie evidence of the fact of the issuance of such permit or license and the adoption of such rule or regulation.

(14) To acquire by gift, grant, purchase, condemnation, or otherwise, and to convey or hold title to, real property, together with all rights incidental thereto.

(Acts 1966, Ex. Sess., No. 205, p. 231, §5; Acts 1989, No. 89-235, p. 303, §3; Act 2009-576, p. 1688, §1; Act 2017-422, §1.)