What type of corporation can own a retail pharmacy?

The correct answer is that any nonpublic corporation can own a retail pharmacy. This is primarily because pharmacy ownership laws allow a variety of corporate structures to hold a pharmacy license, provided they comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Nonpublic corporations, such as LLCs or closely held companies, can meet the necessary criteria to own and operate a pharmacy, including having a licensed pharmacist in a management position.

Public corporations, while they are typically larger and may also own pharmacies, are not the only entity allowed to do so, hence limiting ownership types is not accurate. Similarly, while professional corporations are specifically designed for licensed professionals (like healthcare providers), they are not the sole category allowed to own pharmacies either. Family-owned corporations can certainly own pharmacies, but this is just one of many corporate forms that can fulfill the ownership requirements. Thus, the scope is wider than just these specific types of ownership. Nonpublic corporations encompass a broader array of organizational forms that include various types of businesses beyond just professional or family-owned structures.