Who is allowed to attend meetings of the Vermont Board of Pharmacy?

The law governing the Vermont Board of Pharmacy allows members of the public to attend meetings. This openness is in accordance with principles of transparency and public accountability in government and regulatory processes. By allowing public attendance, the Board encourages community engagement and provides an opportunity for stakeholders, including pharmacy professionals and the general public, to stay informed about decisions affecting pharmacy practice and regulations in Vermont.

In contrast, some options imply restricted access. For example, choosing only Board members and invited guests would limit public involvement and contradict the emphasis on transparency. Similarly, restricting attendance solely to pharmacy professionals would exclude the general public, compromising a broader understanding of pharmacy policies and initiatives. Allowing anyone interested to attend would imply an unrestricted invitation, which, while well-intentioned, is not the structured approach typically adopted by regulatory boards, which usually have more defined membership and public participation guidelines. Therefore, the specification that members of the public may attend reflects the Board’s commitment to open governance.