Mary Hendrick, Executive Director
Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy
2920 N. Lincoln Blvd., Suite A
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
Re: Williams, Case No. 2025-1720
Dear Executive Director Hendrick:
This office has received your request for a written Attorney General Opinion regarding disciplinary action the State Board of Pharmacy (“Board”) intends to take in the above-referenced case. Williams (“Respondent”) holds Pharmacy Technician Permit No. T-32215.
The Oklahoma Pharmacy Act authorizes the Board to regulate the practice of pharmacy. 59 O.S.Supp.2022, § 353.7(1). The Board has jurisdiction to hear this matter pursuant to Oklahoma Statute title 59, sections 353.7(12) and 353.26(A). The Board may revoke the license of any person who “[v]iolates any provision of the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act or any other applicable state or federal law, “[c]onducts . . . herself in a manner likely to lower public esteem for the profession of pharmacy,” or “[e]xercises conduct and habits inconsistent with the rules of professional conduct established by the Board.” 59 O.S.2021, § 353.26(A)(1), (5), (8). A registrant[1] is required to “conduct business in conformity with all . . . laws” and “in a manner that will entitle them to the respect and confidence of the community . . . .” OAC 535:25-7-3(a), (b). A registrant violates the rules of registrant conduct when the registrant commits theft while working. OAC 535:25-9-7.
Respondent worked at a Wal-Mart store from November 1, 2024 through May 5, 2025. Wal-Mart asset protection reports indicated that Respondent did not scan, attempt to properly scan, or pay at the self-checkout register for multiple items on four different occasions in February, March and April 2025, resulting in a total amount of approximately $57.84 in unpaid store merchandise. There is no allegation or indication that Respondent unlawfully took any medication from Wal-Mart pharmacy. On May 5, 2025, Respondent was interviewed by Wal-Mart asset protection team and signed a Voluntary Statement Form admitting to not scanning ground beef due to financial hardship. Respondent was thereafter terminated.
After a hearing on August 13, 2025, the Board concluded by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent stole merchandise from her employer on multiple occasions. The Board proposes revoking the Respondent’s Pharmacy Technician Permit (No. T-32215) until August 13, 2027. After August 13, 2027, Respondent may appear before the Board to receive permission to reapply for a pharmacy technician permit pursuant to OAC 535:15-13-15.
The Board may reasonably believe the proposed action is necessary to “promote, preserve and protect the public health, safety and welfare by and through the effective control and regulation of the practice of pharmacy.” See 59 O.S. § 353(B). It is, therefore, the official opinion of the Attorney General that the State Board of Pharmacy’s proposed action is in accordance with the State’s policy to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Cheryl Dixon
Deputy General Counsel
[1] Registrant is defined as “any holder of registration, certificate, license or permit that is regulated by the Board.” OAC 535:25-1-1.1.
