# Health Occupations (GHO)

## Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies

### Subtitle 7. Prohibited Acts; Penalties

#### Section 12-701

Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice pharmacy in this State unless licensed by the Board.

#### Section 12-702

(a) A person may not obtain a license by making any false representation.

(b) On conviction of a person for obtaining a license by false representation, the license held by that person is void.

#### Section 12-703

A person may not establish or operate a pharmacy in this State or a nonresident pharmacy unless the person holds a pharmacy permit issued by the Board.

#### Section 12-704

(a)

  (1) Unless authorized to practice pharmacy under this title, a person may not represent to the public by title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to practice pharmacy in this State.

  (2) Unless authorized to practice pharmacy under this title, a person may not use the terms "pharmacist" or "druggist" with the intent to represent that the person practices pharmacy.

(b)

  (1) Unless an establishment has a pharmacy permit, a person may not represent to the public by title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the establishment is a pharmacy.

  (2) The acts prohibited by this subsection include using, with the intent to misrepresent that an establishment is a pharmacy, the terms "pharmacy" or "drugstore", the characteristic show bottles or globes filled with colored water, or any other term or symbol traditionally associated with practicing pharmacy.

#### Section 12-707

(a) A person who violates any provision of the following subtitles or sections of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000:

  (1) Sec. 12-311 ("Display of licenses");

  (2) Subtitle 4 ("Pharmacy permits");

  (3) Sec. 12-502(b) ("Pharmaceutical information");

  (4) Sec. 12-505 ("Labeling requirements for prescription medicines"); and

  (5) Sec. 12-604 ("General power to inspect drugs, devices, and other products").

(b) A person who violates any provision of the following sections of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both:

  (1) Sec. 12-701 ("Practicing pharmacy without license");

  (2) Sec. 12-702 ("License obtained by false representation");

  (3) Sec. 12-703 ("Operating a pharmacy without permit");

  (4) Sec. 12-704 ("Misrepresentations");

  (5) Sec. 12-6B-12 ("Working as an unregistered pharmacy technician"); and

  (6) Sec. 12-6D-15 ("Practicing as an unregistered pharmacy intern").

(c) Each day that a violation of any section of Subtitle 4 of this title continues constitutes a separate offense.

(d) Within 10 days after a court renders the conviction, the court shall report to the Board each conviction of a pharmacist or registered pharmacy technician for:

  (1) Any crime regarding the pharmacy or drug laws that involves professional misconduct; or

  (2) Any crime that involves the State law regarding controlled dangerous substances or the federal narcotic laws.

(e)

  (1) Any person who violates Sec. 12-701 ("Practicing pharmacy without a license"), Sec. 12-703 ("Operating a pharmacy without a permit"), Sec. 12-6B-12 ("Working as an unregistered pharmacy technician"), or Sec. 12-6D-15 ("Practicing as an unregistered pharmacy intern") of this title is subject to a civil fine of not more than $50,000 to be assessed by the Board.

  (2) The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the State Board of Pharmacy Fund.

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Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)