Running a pharmacy in Michigan means navigating one of the most tightly regulated healthcare environments in the country. Between the Michigan Public Health Code, Board of Pharmacy regulations, DEA oversight, and shifting federal rules on controlled substances and telehealth prescribing, compliance isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for survival.

Whether you operate an independent pharmacy or manage a chain location, even a minor oversight in recordkeeping, billing, or licensing can trigger investigations, costly penalties, or even professional discipline. At Szura & Delonis PLC, we help Michigan pharmacists and pharmacy owners protect their businesses, their licenses, and their reputations.Running a pharmacy in Michigan means navigating one of the most tightly regulated healthcare environments in the country. Between the Michigan Public Health Code, Board of Pharmacy regulations, DEA oversight, and shifting federal rules on controlled substances and telehealth prescribing, compliance isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for survival.

Whether you operate an independent pharmacy or manage a chain location, even a minor oversight in recordkeeping, billing, or licensing can trigger investigations, costly penalties, or even professional discipline. At Szura & Delonis PLC, we help Michigan pharmacists and pharmacy owners protect their businesses, their licenses, and their reputations.

The Growing Complexity of Pharmacy Compliance

The last few years have brought sweeping changes to how pharmacies must operate. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) now expects heightened accountability in controlled substance dispensing, pharmacy technician supervision, compounding standards, and credential renewals. At the same time, federal regulators and insurers are cracking down on billing irregularities and documentation errors.

Common risk areas for Michigan pharmacies include:

• Inadequate controlled substance tracking or inventory reconciliation
• Billing or coding errors under Medicare, Medicaid, or private payers
• Failure to properly supervise technicians or interns
• Violations involving remote or off-site dispensing
• Recordkeeping deficiencies during board or DEA audits

Pharmacies often find themselves facing regulatory investigations, audit demands, or complaints without warning. By the time a notice arrives, the clock is already ticking—and what you say or submit in response can determine the outcome.

How Szura & Delonis Helps Michigan Pharmacies

Our attorneys represent pharmacies and pharmacists across Michigan in all stages of regulatory compliance, investigation, and defense. With decades of combined experience in healthcare law and administrative proceedings, we understand how regulators think and what actions protect your license.

Our services include:

• Proactive compliance audits and policy development
• Defense of pharmacy license complaints before LARA and the Board of Pharmacy
• Response strategies for DEA, auditor, or Department of Health investigations
• Risk management advice tailored to Michigan pharmacy operations
• Training for staff on documentation and regulatory communication

We know that every pharmacy operates differently, so our guidance is designed to fit your specific operations and risk profile. When you need experienced counsel, you want a team that understands both the letter of the law and the realities of running a modern pharmacy.

Take Action Before Problems Arise

Too often, pharmacies reach out only after receiving a subpoena, audit letter, or notice of violation. By then, options can be more limited. Taking proactive steps now—reviewing your policies, conducting internal audits, and shoring up documentation—is one of the most cost-effective ways to secure your business and license.

If your Michigan pharmacy has questions about compliance, licensing, or pending investigations, don’t wait to seek experienced legal guidance.

Contact Szura & Delonis PLC today to schedule a confidential consultation. Call us to learn how we can help your pharmacy stay protected, compliant, and successful in 2026 and beyond.

Step 1: The LARA Investigation

The process often begins when LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) receives a complaint — sometimes from a patient, colleague, hospital, or insurance company. That report starts an investigation, during which state investigators may request records, interview witnesses or attempt to interview you directly.

At this early stage, mistakes are common. It may feel natural to respond directly to the investigator, but even a harmless, well-meaning or incomplete statement may be used against you later. Our first role as your legal counsel is to step in immediately — to manage communications, understand how those communications affect the complaint, and control the flow of information so that we can protect you from unnecessary exposure.

Step 2: The Administrative Complaint

If LARA believes the investigation uncovered a violation of the Michigan Public Health Code, LARA or the Michigan Attorney General’s office will issue an Administrative Complaint. This is the formal document that sets out the specific allegations and Michigan Public Health Code rules that were allegedly violated.

From the day that complaint is served, a license holder has 30 days to file a written answer, request a compliance conference and/or demand an administrative hearing. Missing this deadline can result in serve penalties such as a default judgment leading to disciplinary action. We will carefully review the complaint’s language, examining both the factual accuracy and the legal support for each charge. We will then discuss and prepare a strategic response that protects your rights and seeks the best path forward.

Step 3: The Compliance Conference

Once the answer is filed, we may decide to request a compliance conference — essentially a settlement discussion that happens before the case proceeds to a full hearing. This is an opportunity to provide your side of the story. A representative from LARA or the Attorney General’s office, and sometimes a member (conferee) of the licensing board may attend. These are typically done over the phone or video conference.

This meeting is a crucial opportunity to present mitigating evidence, clarify misunderstandings, and explore resolution options. With thorough preparation, we have been able to negotiate outcomes such as dismissal, reduced sanctions, or agreements that allow my clients to continue practicing under reasonable conditions.

Step 4: Administrative Hearing

If the case isn’t resolved through negotiation, it moves to a formal administrative hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This stage is very similar to a court trial — witnesses testify, evidence is introduced, and both sides make legal arguments during the hearing and through briefs.

In the courtroom, we present a robust defense — using expert testimony, medical records, and procedural arguments to show that there was no violation of the Michigan Public Health Code, professional standards were satisfied or that the alleged violation doesn’t warrant discipline. The ALJ then issues a Proposal for Decision (PFD), we provide a response the PFD and then it goes to the appropriate licensing board to either approve or deny the proposal.

Step 5: Appeals and Reinstatement

If discipline is imposed, you still have options. You can appeal the board’s decision to the Michigan Court of Appeals, or, if necessary, petition for reinstatement of your license after fulfilling the required conditions. We work with providers throughout this process to demonstrate remediation, continuing education, and compliance with prior orders — steps that help rebuild professional standing.

Protecting Your License and Your Future

Facing a LARA license investigation or Administrative Complaint can be an intimidating experience, but early and well-informed action makes all the difference. As attorneys who focus on Michigan medical license defense, our goal is to ensure that one complaint doesn’t erase years of hard work and dedication.

If you’ve received a notice from LARA or the Board of Medicine, don’t wait to see what happens next. Contact an experienced healthcare defense attorney to preserve your rights and take control of the process before it escalates.

Szura, a founding partner of Southfield law firm Szura & Delonis, P.L.C., was selected during the HCLS Annual Meeting on September 20th.

The Health Care Law Section is one of the largest sections of the State Bar of Michigan with approximately 1,000 members. The HCLS’s numerous committees and programs provide valuable educational resources for its members around the state. Those resources include webinars and publications on emerging issues in health care law, as well in-person programs at its Annual Meeting and the annual Health Law Institute, which it co-sponsors with the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. In addition, the HCLS seeks to “serve the health care community and advocate on behalf of its interests concerning state and federal legislation and public policy which affect the practice of health care law and related issues.”

Szura’s previous experience with the Health Care Law Section includes service as Chair of its Publications Committee, service as Chair-Elect and as an active Council Member. Szura has also presented on numerous health law topics at HCLS events. He is also an active member of the Medical/Legal Committee of the Oakland County Bar Association.

Szura is a 2003 graduate of Cornell Law School, with a concentration in Business Law and Regulation. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, He has been repeatedly selected as a Michigan Super Lawyer Rising Star, among other distinctions.

Szura represents and counsels health care clients on many aspects of their business, including complex health care regulations, such as the Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and HIPAA. He also advises on licensing issues, telemedicine, medical staff and peer review matters, and employment matters, among other areas. In addition, Szura has represented health care clients in a wide variety of matters in state and federal courts and in administrative hearings.

Szura & Delonis, P.L.C. is a firm of Michigan business lawyers who provide legal counsel for small and medium-sized businesses with a particular focus on health care law, real estate and labor and employment law.