Section 4301.5.

(a) If a pharmacist possesses a license or is otherwise authorized to practice pharmacy in any other state or by an agency of the federal government, and that license or authority is suspended or revoked, the pharmacist's license shall be suspended automatically for the duration of the suspension or revocation, unless terminated or rescinded as provided in subdivision (c). The board shall notify the pharmacist of the license suspension and of his or her right to have the issue of penalty heard as provided in this section.

(b) Upon its own motion or for good cause shown, the board may decline to impose or may set aside the suspension when it appears to be in the interest of justice to do so, with due regard to maintaining the integrity of and confidence in the pharmacy profession.

(c) The issue of penalty shall be heard by an administrative law judge sitting alone, by a committee of the board sitting with an administrative law judge, or by the board sitting with an administrative law judge, at the board's discretion. A pharmacist may request a hearing on the penalty and that hearing shall be held within 90 days from the date of the request. If the order suspending or revoking the pharmacist's license or authority to practice pharmacy is overturned on appeal, any discipline ordered pursuant to this section shall automatically cease. Upon the showing to the administrative law judge, board, or committee of the board by the pharmacist that the out-of-state action is not a basis for discipline in California, the suspension shall be rescinded.

If an accusation for permanent discipline is not filed within 90 days of the suspension imposed pursuant to this section, the suspension shall automatically terminate.

(d) The record of the proceedings that resulted in the suspension or revocation of the pharmacist's license or authority to practice pharmacy, including a transcript of the testimony therein, may be received in evidence.

(e) If a summary suspension has been issued pursuant to this section, the pharmacist may request that the hearing on the penalty conducted pursuant to subdivision (c) be held at the same time as a hearing on the accusation.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 878, Sec. 30. Effective January 1, 1999.)