Marty Hendrick, Executive Director
Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy
2920 N. Lincoln Blvd., Suite A
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Re: Manns-Bates, Case No. 2025-1739
Dear Executive Director Hendrick,
This office has received your request for a written Attorney General Opinion regarding disciplinary action the State Board of Pharmacy (the “Board”) intends to take in the above-referenced case. Respondent holds a pharmacy technician permit number T-32186 issued by the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy on November 1, 2024.
The Oklahoma Pharmacy Act authorizes the Board to regulate the practice of pharmacy. 59 O.S.Supp.2022, § 353.7. The Board has jurisdiction to hear this matter pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes 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;” or “[c]onducts himself or 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.” Id. § 353.26(A)(1), (5), (8).[1] Respondent violates the rules of conduct when he or she commits theft while working. OAC 535:25-9-7.
From November 1, 2024, until her termination on or about August 10, 2025, Respondent was a pharmacy technician at Wal-Mart Pharmacy, located in Coweta, Oklahoma. On August 20, 2025, Walmart notified the Board office that Respondent had been terminated from her employment for theft of merchandise. Board office Compliance Officer Kimberly Hibbard, D.Ph. investigated the matter. As part of the investigation, CO Hibbard reviewed various documents and information, including witness statements and surveillance footage, which indicated that Respondent did not scan and did not attempt to pay for multiple items on numerous occasions, resulting in a loss of no less than $273.53 in unpaid merchandise.
After a hearing on November 18, 2026, the Board concluded that clear and convincing evidence established the findings of fact that Respondent stole items of general merchandise from her employer, thereby violating the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act. Considering the record in its totality, the Board concluded that the most appropriate disciplinary action is permanent revocation of Respondent's pharmacy technician permit.
The Board may reasonably believe the proposed action is necessary to deter future violations. 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] Respondent is required to “conduct business in conformity with all federal, state and municipal laws” and “conduct themselves . . . in a manner that will entitle them to the respect and confidence of the community in which they practice.” OAC 535:25-7-3(a), (b).
