(a) The board may issue citations containing fines and orders of abatement for any violation of Section 733, for any violation of this chapter or regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, or for any violation of Division 116 (commencing with Section 150200) of the Health and Safety Code, in accordance with Sections 125.9, 148, and 4005 and the regulations adopted pursuant to those sections.
(b) Where appropriate, a citation issued by the board, as specified in this section, may subject the person or entity to whom the citation is issued to an administrative fine.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, where appropriate, a citation issued by the board may contain an order of abatement. The order of abatement shall fix a reasonable time for abatement of the violation. It may also require the person or entity to whom the citation is issued to demonstrate how future compliance with the Pharmacy Law, and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto, will be accomplished. A demonstration may include, but is not limited to, submission of a corrective action plan, and requiring completion of up to six hours of continuing education courses in the subject matter specified in the order of abatement. Any continuing education courses required by the order of abatement shall be in addition to those required for license renewal.
(d) Nothing in this section shall in any way limit the board from issuing a citation, fine, and order of abatement pursuant to Section 4067 or Section 56.36 of the Civil Code, and the regulations adopted pursuant to those sections.
(e) The issuance of a citation pursuant to subdivision (b) shall not be construed as a disciplinary action or discipline for purposes of licensure or the reporting of discipline for licensure.
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 629, Sec. 28. (AB 1533) Effective January 1, 2022.)