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- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Pharmacist Admits to Improper Methadone Dispensing
David Ruan, a Calgary pharmacist and owner of eRx Pharmacy in Sunalta, has pleaded guilty to professional misconduct after admitting to improperly dispensing methadone and falsifying pharmacy records. The Alberta College of Pharmacy announced the disciplinary decision following incidents that occurred between December 2023 and October 2025.
Professional Misconduct and Pharmacy Record Falsification
According to an agreed statement of facts accepted by the Alberta College of Pharmacy, Ruan changed the dispensation or dosing of methadone prescriptions for eight patients without notifying or obtaining authorization from the prescriber. He also extended methadone prescriptions without proper authorization, created or allowed the creation of false pharmacy records indicating dispensations that did not occur, and prescribed benzodiazepines without proper documentation.
Risks Posed to Patient Safety
The disciplinary tribunal found that Ruan's conduct posed a meaningful risk to patient safety, particularly for individuals receiving opioid therapy. Methadone, an opioid medication, is frequently used to treat severe pain and as part of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) for drug addiction. The College's decision emphasized that OAT patients constitute a vulnerable group, and pharmacists have an obligation to uphold their well-being under the Health Professions Act.
Ruan's actions were characterized as more than an isolated lapse in judgement. According to the decision, he modified or continued controlled-substance therapy without prescriber authorization or proper communication, permitted controlled substance carries or split dosing contrary to prescribed directions, failed to report missed doses, and extended or prescribed therapy without proper assessment documentation.
Tribunal’s Ruling and License Restrictions
The Alberta College of Pharmacy imposed significant restrictions on Ruan’s license as a result of his admitted misconduct. He is prohibited from acting as a licensee until he completes various courses on ethics and professional boundaries, and must provide future pharmacy employers with a copy of the tribunal’s decision for the next five years. Additionally, Ruan was ordered to pay $10,000 in hearing costs.
The tribunal stated that the disciplinary action would help deter similar behavior across the pharmacy profession while also offering Ruan an opportunity for rehabilitation.
Lack of Documented Harm and Cooperation with Proceedings
Although Ruan's actions had the potential to endanger patients, his counsel pointed out that "there was no evidence of actual harm being done." The tribunal acknowledged that Ruan was cooperative throughout the hearing process and had no prior disciplinary history. The decision also referenced his personal circumstances, noting that he had been dealing with the illness and passing of his father during the spring of the previous year.
Upholding Professional Standards
The findings underscore the obligation of pharmacists to adhere to strict professional and ethical standards, especially when handling controlled substances such as methadone and benzodiazepines. The decision noted that Ruan's conduct undermined the integrity of the pharmacy profession by exposing vulnerable patients to increased risks.
Conclusion
David Ruan, registered as a pharmacist in Alberta since 2008 and owner of eRx Pharmacy since 2019, will face ongoing license restrictions and other disciplinary measures as a result of improperly dispensing methadone, falsifying pharmacy records, and improper prescribing of controlled substances. The case highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in maintaining patient safety and professional accountability in Alberta's pharmacies.
Source: cbc.ca.
