A recent amendment to the Good Pharmacy Practice Guidelines relates to the Scope of Practice of Responsible Pharmacists. These amended updates are covered in the Doodly below for ease of reference
Pharmacy Council Board Notice 976 in GG amends the GPP Rules for the responsibilities of Responsible Pharmacists, as summarised below:
The requirement for every pharmacy to be under the direct personal supervision of a Responsible Pharmacist (RP) is emphasised with the clarification given that this means that guidance and support must be provided by a pharmacist physically present in the pharmacy.
The RP must:
- Ensure the appropriate registration of pharmacy support staff.
- Maintain accurate and effective records of the purchase, sale, stock position, storage, safekeeping and return of medicines and scheduled substances.
- Ensure all pharmacy personnel’s employment details (pharmacists and pharmacy support personnel) under their supervision are accurate and current on the Council Register.
- Update any employment changes within 30 days, including resignations, new appointments and changes in roles.
Clarity is also provided on the conditions under which an RP may be absent from their pharmacy;.
- To undertake the overall management of the pharmacy, including pharmacy operations, human resources, medicines and scheduled substances, procedures, record-keeping, and compliance with applicable labour legislation.
- An RP may provide pharmaceutical services at another pharmacy or institution, provided this does not compromise the safety, quality, or direct personal supervision of the pharmacy for which they are registered as the RP.