Two Vancouver pharmacists sanctioned over opioid dispensing raise legal challenge, alleging improper evidence collection during college-led inspections.
Vancouver Pharmacists File Legal Petitions Against Sanctions
Two Vancouver pharmacists are taking the College of Pharmacists of B.C. to court after facing practice limitations for alleged improper opioid dispensing and record-keeping violations. The pharmacists argue the evidence used to sanction them was gathered without proper legal authority.
College Cites ‘Serious’ Allegations in Opioid Oversight
In April, the college announced practice restrictions on four pharmacists from two Vancouver pharmacies. The most severe measure was the suspension of pharmacy manager Karandeep Singh Chohan, while three others — Charanjit Pal, Mamteshwari Latchman, and Jennifer Van Bui — had their practices restricted pending further investigation.
CEO Suzanne Solven described the action as an “extraordinary step” taken before the conclusion of the ongoing probe.
Court Petitions Raise Questions Over Legality of Inspections
Pharmacists Latchman and Van Bui have filed separate petitions in B.C. Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the inspections. Their filings claim investigators acted beyond their statutory authority and collected evidence through methods that were procedurally flawed.
The restrictions on Latchman and Van Bui were enforced on March 24, while Pal’s restrictions began May 13. Chohan’s suspension is set to start on May 27, depending on the investigation’s outcome and any resulting disciplinary hearing.
College Alleges Record-Keeping Failures and Safety Risks
According to the college, the 2024 inspections revealed several concerns, including:
- Inadequate narcotic inventory controls
- Inaccurate pharmacy record-keeping
- Non-compliance with opioid agonist treatment protocols
These findings prompted swift action under public safety provisions, though the pharmacists in question now seek to overturn or delay those decisions in court.
What’s Next? Investigation Continues Amid Legal Battle
As the investigation continues, legal proceedings initiated by the pharmacists may shape how regulatory inspections are conducted and challenged in the future. The College has not yet responded to the court petitions but maintains it acted within its mandate to protect patients.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for updates on this developing case, healthcare oversight, and regulatory accountability in British Columbia.
