What must a pharmacy do if it changes ownership?

When a pharmacy changes ownership, it is essential to apply for a new pharmacy license and notify the relevant regulatory board. This requirement is in place because the new owner may have different legal, ethical, and operational considerations that must be evaluated by the state’s pharmacy board to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations governing pharmacy practice. Licensing is based on the owner’s qualifications, and a new ownership structure necessitates a reassessment of those qualifications and the pharmacy's operations under the new management.

Continuing to operate under the same license would not demonstrate adherence to the regulatory framework that governs the pharmacy industry, which requires that the responsible party listed on the license reflects the current ownership. Therefore, obtaining a new license is a critical step in ensuring that the pharmacy can legally operate under the new ownership while maintaining patient safety and regulatory compliance.