A Manitoba pharmacist has been fined $100,000 following an investigation into professional misconduct, including improperly dispensing controlled substances, not keeping proper records and using drugs while on the job. Glen Pauch pleaded guilty to multiple misconduct offences following an investigation and hearing by the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba. The results were released on June 9. The incidents Pauch was disciplined for took place between June 20 and Oct. 2021. According to the report, Pauch, who was working at the Pharmasave location in Portage la Prairie, dispensed oxycodone and lorazepam without prescriptions, failed to submit prescriptions for controlled substances and created inaccurate prescription records. The report also stated he created false records of conversations with prescribers on multiple occasions and failed to ensure all shortages were reported. The report claims at least 39,300 doses were unaccounted for. Pauch also admitted on multiple occasions to consuming unprescribed controlled substances while working as a pharmacist. The report said the pharmacy manager observed Pauch spending 20 minutes at a time in the bathroom while he was the only pharmacist on duty. “She reported him appearing dishevelled and hearing from staff that he appeared to be impaired while at work,” the report reads. “On one occasion, a pharmacy assistant reported finding a syringe cap in the bathroom after Mr. Pauch had been in there.” Pauch was a licensed pharmacist from 2009 to Oct. 27, 2021, when he voluntarily suspended his licence. He applied to have his licence gradually reinstated in July 2023, which he held until Nov. 2023, when he failed a drug screening test. Pauch was fined $25,000 for pleading guilty and was ordered to pay $75,000 towards the cost of the investigation, which totalled $246,258.20. which he has five years to do so. In addition, he will have restrictions on his licence for five years from the date he returns to practice and will be prohibited from working as a pharmacy manager or preceptor. He must also complete a course on ethics and a 360-hour supervised internship and once it’s complete, will be limited to 35 hours per week of pharmacy practice for one year. Pauch will also be subject to 12 random drug and alcohol screenings each year for two years. CTV News has reached out to Pauch for comment and is awaiting a response.
