The Constitutionality of the Practice of Applying and Interpreting Art. 99 sec. 3 and 3a of the Pharmaceutical Law – Evolution of the Position of Administrative Courts

The study analyzes the jurisprudence of administrative courts regarding the scope of application of Art. 99 sec. 3 and 3a of the Pharmaceutical Law. The application of an extensive interpretation of this provision was deemed unconstitutional. Such an interpretation assumes that it is applicable not only in the procedure for granting a permit to operate a pharmacy, but also in the procedure for its amendment and withdrawal. The authors express the conviction that it is necessary to stabilize the position of the courts in this matter and to adopt the view expressed in the latest judgments of the Supreme Administrative Court that Art. 99 sec. 3 and 3a of the Pharmaceutical Law Act is a clear and coherent provision of a purely competence nature. Deriving from this provision the obligations of an entity running a pharmacy that have not been expressed by the legislator violates fundamental constitutional principles and values.