Protecting the Public's Health.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

AUSTIN, Texas -- Gay Dodson empathizes with the frustrations and problems expressed by retail pharmacies and pharmacists in Texas -- she has firsthand experience working behind the pharmacy counter for a number of chains.

But although she understands those concerns, neither pharmacies nor pharmacists are the major focus of her responsibilities.

"We're here to protect the public health and safety," says Dodson, executive director/secretary of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.

Still, she points out, the agency's mission does not preclude safeguarding the approximately 5,400 pharmacies and 19,000 pharmacists that are licensed in Texas.

Dodson, who has been with the agency for 17 years, believes the rules and regulations -- and consequences for violating those statutes -- serve the best interests of patients, pharmacists …