All firms that manufacture, distribute, and dispense drugs are regulated pursuant to Federal and State laws. The Department registers about 4,500 pharmacies and 700 drug manufacturers, repackers and wholesalers. Registration ensures public oversight of these businesses, supports the issuance of related permits, assures delivery of prescription drugs to properly authorized facilities, and provides a means of assuring the purity, potency, and safety of medications distributed in New York State. OP also investigates allegations of illegal or unlicensed practice in all the 38 licensed professions, including physicians, physician assistants, and specialist assistants. Persons practicing illegally represent a risk to the public safety and welfare.
Illegal practice is a felony in New York State.
Consumer complaints against registered establishments or pharmacists can be made by contacting the Office of Professional Discipline at one of its offices throughout New York State. For the fastest response, complete a complaint form and contact the office closest to you. You may search past decisions of individual discipline cases by name or by month of action. Both must sign the application for the initial registration and registration renewal of a pharmacy. It is the Supervising Pharmacist who is looked upon as the knowledgeable person who will direct and control the practice of pharmacy in the registered pharmacy.