Illinois switches to fines for minor pharmacy infractions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois regulators are issuing tickets and fines instead of higher-level disciplinary actions for some minor infractions in the state's licensed pharmacies.

Officials at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation say they are making permanent a pilot program launched in February.

The Pharmacy Citation Program has issued 86 tickets for issues like failure to display a current license in a conspicuous location. Another example of a ticket-worthy infraction is keeping food or beverages in an undesignated area of a pharmacy.

The program brought in $23,000 in fines and spared pharmacists the burden of legal fees. Officials say making the program permanent will allow investigators to focus on matters that are more serious threats to public safety.