Calm The Pharm Podcast

In this episode , host Sarah Stoddart provides critical information for Queensland pharmacy owners regarding the pharmacy business license application process established by the Queensland Pharmacy Business Ownership Council. With the legislative changes that took effect on November 1, 2025, pharmacy owners must take prompt action to comply with the regulatory requirements.The episode emphasises the importance of being prepared for the application process, which involves considerable paperwork tailored to different ownership structures. The transition to an online portal for submissions may simplify some aspects, but significant organization and diligence are still required. Sarah warns that many pharmacists have yet to initiate their applications and notes that these processes will only become busier as the deadlines approach.Overall, the episode serves as a reminder of the need to act on the licensing requirements and highlights the complexities involved in the application process. Sarah encourages listeners to reach out for assistance if needed, stressing the importance of preparation, organisation, and proactive engagement to ensure compliance with the new regulations. The podcast underscores the significance of commencing the application process without delay, particularly given the limited time frame for submission. Sarah's guidance aims to equip pharmacy owners with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate these regulatory changes confidently. Listeners are encouraged to take these matters seriously and to begin their preparations, as timely compliance is vital for the continued operation of their pharmacy businesses within the Queensland’s regulatory framework.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this final episode, host Sarah Stoddart emphasises the importance of planning for unexpected life events within pharmacy partnerships. The episode outlines critical life events that should be carefully considered in partnership agreements and discusses options to mitigate the associated risks.Sarah concludes by reinforcing the importance of being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to partnership planning. As life events are unpredictable, establishing robust frameworks in partnership agreements can save future partners significant heartache and conflict. She encourages open dialogue and thorough planning to ensure smooth operations and relationships within the partnership, thus concluding the partnership series with a focus on a strategic and informed partnership approach.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In today’s podcast episode, we delve deeper into the crucial topic of retirement and exit strategies within partnership agreements, emphasising the significance of exit clauses in ensuring a smooth transition when one partner decides to leave. This is the third part of our exploration into partnership agreements, aiming to equip listeners with the necessary foresight to avoid potential business disruptions that can arise from partner exits.Exit clauses are vital because they lay the groundwork for what happens when a partner wants to leave. This consideration is not merely about retirement or aging; it encompasses any scenario where a partner may wish to exit the business due to personal circumstances, dissatisfaction, or strategic changes. Without a clear plan for such an eventuality, partnerships can become dysfunctional, leading to poor business decisions and emotional turmoil among remaining partners.The conversation underscores the idea that planning for a partner’s exit is just as essential as planning for the start of a partnership. Partners should take time to deliberate on these issues and document their agreements thoroughly to avoid misunderstandings in times of change. The complexities of partnerships require foresight and preparation, as partnerships are not merely business arrangements but long-term commitments among individuals.Listeners are encouraged to think critically about their partnership dynamics and seek clarity on these questions, reinforcing that proactive planning can enable a smoother transition and sustained business health. Remember, any partnership will ultimately encounter change; how those changes are managed can determine the future success and stability of the business.The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to ask questions or seek further clarification, promising continued discussions on other relevant topics in future episodes.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the "Calm the Pharm" podcast, host Sarah Stoddart delves into the critical aspects of partnership agreements, focusing on the vital decision-making clause. This episode is the first in a series addressing the importance of properly drafted clauses and how their omission can lead to disputes in pharmacy partnerships.Stoddart emphasises that partnerships frequently falter in their decision-making processes. Common scenarios arise when partners have differing visions; for example, one may desire to expand the pharmacy while another prefers stability. In such cases, without clear protocols in place for making decisions, stalemates can occur, escalating into disputes that jeopardize the business and relationships among partners.The first step in establishing a decision-making clause is to identify the types of decisions that will be made throughout the partnership's lifetime. For instance, decisions can range from simple staffing choices to significant commitments like renovations or property acquisitions. Partners should consider how each type of decision will be made, determining which decisions can be made quickly by the working partner and which require collective agreement. Additionally, partners should establish monetary thresholds for spending that permits operational efficiency while ensuring transparency and oversight.In summary, this episode provides essential insights on decision-making protocols within partnership agreements, aimed at helping pharmacy partners mitigate disputes and enhance operational effectiveness.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart shares insights on how the quality of your team, including third-party contractors, can significantly influence your pharmacy's reputation and customer experience. The discussion begins with a personal anecdote involving a problematic delivery of a washing machine, which led to extensive damage to her property due to the inexperience of a delivery driver. Despite having previously enjoyed reliable service from the same company, this incident highlighted the consequences of relying on outside contractors who do not uphold expected standardsStoddart emphasises the importance of ensuring that every individual your business engages with, whether employees or third-party contractors, reflects the desired vibe and quality of service you wish to portray. The lack of communication from the delivery company after the incident left her questioning whether she would continue to use their services, illustrating how a single poor experience can overshadow previous positive interactions.She concludes by urging pharmacy owners to carefully consider who they involve in their operations, as everyone who interacts with customers contributes to their overall perception of your brand. Maintaining a consistent, positive vibe across all touchpoints is crucial for nurturing a loyal customer base. The episode reinforces the idea that while business owners cannot manage every aspect of their operations, the people they choose to represent them play a vital role in sustaining their reputation.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart delves into two essential requirements related to pharmacy location rules, aimed at helping pharmacy owners navigate legal standards. This episode is part three of their ongoing series, continuing to build on previous discussions.The first requirement focuses on ensuring that the proposed pharmacy premises are accessible to the public. While this may seem straightforward, the stipulation is that access must be granted to the general public, not limited to specific groups. For instance, a pharmacy situated within a hospital may restrict access to hospital patients only, which would not satisfy the requirement.The second key requirement is that the pharmacy must be prepared to commence operations within six months following the authority's recommendation regarding the application. For instance, if a recommendation is made on February 1st, the pharmacy should be operational by August 1st. This timeline includes ensuring that lease agreements, fit-out plans, and supporting evidence align with this six-month window.Sarah wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes, where she will continue to provide valuable insights into the legal aspects of running a pharmacy business.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In the first episode of Calm the Pharm podcast for 2026, host Sarah Stoddart outlines essential legal requirements for pharmacy location applications, focusing on the general requirements applicable to all pharmacy location rules. The discussion centers around two main conditions that must be met for pharmacy premises approval.1. Non-Approved Premises:The first requirement states that, at all relevant times, the proposed premises must not be classified as "approved premises."2. Public Access Restrictions:The second requirement specifies that the proposed pharmacy must not be directly accessible by the public from within a supermarket. To comply, applicants have to demonstrate that there is no direct passage from the supermarket to the pharmacy without going outside. The podcast clarifies the definition of "direct access" and distinguishes public access from other access points.The podcast also defines what constitutes a supermarket, emphasising that it refers to a retail store primarily focused on selling a wide range of grocery items and that does not include specialty health food lines, departmental stores, or cafes.Overall, this episode serves as a practical guide for pharmacy owners navigating the Pharmacy Location Rules process, emphasising the importance of understanding and satisfying these foundational legal criteria.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart discusses the critical aspects of subleasing for pharmacy owners in Australia. She emphasises that most pharmacy businesses operate under a lease agreement, typically with a third-party landlord or through ownership via structures like self-managed superannuation funds. The focus here is on understanding the complexities and legalities of subleasing to a third party tenant.The podcast underscores the importance of a legal and structured approach to subleasing in the pharmacy business. Owners need to ensure compliance with their head lease, prepare the necessary documentation, and understand the implications of subleasing agreements thoroughly.By providing these insights, the episode aims to empower pharmacy business owners to navigate the complexities of subleasing confidently and legally.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart discusses the critical distinctions between partnership and shareholding structures for pharmacy businesses. Building on last week’s focus on company structures, she clarifies common misconceptions regarding these ownership models and emphasises the importance of structured legal agreements.A partnership involves two or more individuals or companies collaborating for a shared business goal. The partners own the business jointly, with shared profits, liabilities, and management according to their partnership agreement—though this agreement is not legally mandatory, it is highly recommended to avoid misunderstandings. Partners, regardless of their share percentage, hold unlimited liability for the business’s debts, meaning their personal assets may be at risk in case of financial issues.In contrast, a shareholding arrangement revolves around individuals owning shares in a company, where the company itself holds assets and operates the business. Shareholders benefit from the company’s operations and usually have limited liability, meaning they are only accountable for the amount they’ve invested in shares. Therefore, their personal assets are typically protected from the company's obligations.Sarah outlines three key differences between the two structures:1. Exposure to Liability2. Profit Sharing and Distribution3. Ease of Continuity and TransferabilityUnderstanding these differences is vital for pharmacy owners as they assess their business structures and make informed decisions. By grasping the nuances of partnership versus shareholding arrangements, business owners can effectively safeguard their financial interests and ensure smoother operations. The episode concludes with Sarah encouraging listeners to carefully consider their ownership structure and its implications, with a reminder to tune in for the next episode focused on further practical advice for pharmacy business operations.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart addresses the concept of walk-in, walk-out contracts within the context of business transactions. She distinguishes between two main types of contracts: walk-in, walk-out contracts and other business sale agreements which typically involve additional elements like stock, adjustments, and employee entitlements.Sarah emphasises the need for buyers to understand the implications of a walk-in, walk-out contract fully. Any ambiguity could lead to disputes or misaligned expectations after the transaction has taken place. Clear communication and proper review of the contract are essential to ensure that the intention is accurately reflected.In summary, a walk-in, walk-out contract means what you see is what you get - the purchase price covers everything and nothing more. For those considering entering such an agreement, it’s vital to determine the purchase price accurately, make sure all intentions are documented in the contract, and agree on the terms beforehand to avoid misunderstandings later on. Keeping these factors in check will enable pharmacy business owners to navigate these transactions with confidence.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart delves into the changes regarding ministerial discretion for pharmacy business applications, emphasising the importance of understanding the application process and recent legislative updates.Ministerial discretion allows pharmacy businesses to request approval to supply pharmaceutical benefits from specific premises, particularly when the Australian Community Pharmacy Authority (ACPA) has denied the application. Before submitting a ministerial discretion request, an applicant must first go through the ACPA process, which reviews the application against the pharmacy location rules.Significant changes have recently streamlined the ministerial discretion process. Previously, applicants faced a lengthy six-month timeline, including a two-stage decision process with the Minister, but this has now been condensed into a single four-month decision period. This change reduces the total time from about nine or ten months to potentially eight months. Moreover, applicants are now restricted to submitting one request for ministerial discretion per 12-month period. In summary, the podcast emphasises the necessity for pharmacy businesses to understand the intricate landscape of ministerial discretion. With recent changes shortening the decision timeline and limiting the frequency of requests, thorough preparation and strategic planning are more critical than ever for successful applications. Sarah encourages pharmacy owners to reach out for assistance when navigating these complex processes to improve their likelihood of obtaining approvals.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode, host Sarah Stoddart continues her two-part series on Privacy Act obligations, focusing on practical steps that pharmacy owners can take to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. Building on the previously discussed legislation and pitfalls, Sarah introduces a five-step health check designed to help pharmacies manage their data collection and protection practices effectively.Throughout the episode, Sarah addresses common myths regarding privacy compliance. She challenges assumptions, such as the belief that staff are automatically knowledgeable about regulations or that having a privacy policy is sufficient without regular reviews. She also stresses that compliance is not exclusive to larger pharmacies; all businesses must adhere to updated privacy legislation.The episode concludes with a call to action: pharmacies must review their privacy policies, data collection practices, and how they handle patient information. Sarah reassures listeners that protecting patient data is not only a legal obligation but also essential for building trust and safeguarding their business’s reputation. Taking proactive steps now can significantly reduce risks associated with privacy breaches.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode, host Sarah Stoddart discusses current challenges faced by pharmacists dealing with regulatory matters during pharmacy business transactions. She emphasises the importance of compliance and consistency in document submissions to federal and state regulators, which has become increasingly difficult due to heightened scrutiny and additional documentation requirements.She also speaks to the importance of ensuring that trust deeds associated with pharmacy ownership comply with state regulations since what is acceptable in one state may not be in another. Engaging advisors knowledgeable about pharmacy-specific regulations is crucial to navigating this complex landscape.Throughout the podcast, Sarah encourages pharmacy owners to work closely with their advisors, respond promptly to requests for documentation, and set realistic expectations regarding the timeline of applications.In conclusion, while the regulatory environment for pharmacy ownership transactions is increasingly challenging, proactive communication with legal advisors and meticulous attention to detail in documentation can help mitigate issues. Sarah’s key takeaway is the necessity for pharmacists to remain vigilant and informed, as regulatory processes are becoming more complicated rather than simpler, leading to delays and added costs. She invites listeners with questions to reach out, emphasising her commitment to supporting pharmacy owners during these challenging transitions.Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.www.vitalitylawaustralia.comInstagram: @vitalitylawaustraliaFacebook: Vitality Law AustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/