MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Scrutiny around the Alabama Board of Pharmacy continues to grow after state lawmakers recently became aware of a nearly $255,000 payout awarded to the board’s former executive director that was “reluctantly” signed off by Gov. Kay Ivey to comply with a 2023 executive order.
Responsible for regulating pharmacists in the state, the ABP has been found in its most recent state review to have regularly acted outside its authority, including by violating open meeting laws and charging fees and fines higher than and outside of what state law permits.
“It’s offensive,” said Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, speaking with Alabama Daily News recently on the $255,000 payout. For three years, Elliott has unsuccessfully backed legislation to tighten regulation around the state’s dozens of occupational licensing boards, many of which have also been found to have issued higher fees and fines than they’re allowed by law…