If you have called us or looked for us online lately, you may have noticed that we are no longer using the name “pharmacy.” Instead, we are calling ourselves the “Medication Dispensary.”
Why the name change?
After months of discussions with the Illinois Board of Pharmacy regarding the best type of licensure for the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, we are no longer a licensed pharmacy.
There were two main reasons for the switch:
- Our hospital is not included in the Illinois definition of a hospital. Therefore, from a legal perspective, we don’t technically fall under any of the state pharmacy licensure types.
- By allowing our clinicians to function in ways standard to the veterinary profession, such as filling their own medications when a pharmacist isn’t present, we are not able to comply with Illinois pharmacy law.
The best option was to give up our pharmacy license and operate with a DVM dispense model, which is similar to other veterinary practices. It also mimics what many human surgery centers in the state do.
What does this mean for you and your clients?
Despite the name change, our services haven’t changed.
We are still staffed by licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and are still able to compound a variety of medications. We are also happy to answer any drug/pharmacy-related questions you may have.
You just won’t find us referring to ourselves as a pharmacy anymore!
By Lauren Forsythe,
PharmD, DICVP, FSVHP
Medication Dispensary Coordinator
