Transcript Slide 1
PHARMACY ACT 2007:
THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR
PHARMACISTS
PSI/ICCPE joint educational session
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Introduction
Pharmacy Act 2007 has brought significant changes:
- to way the profession is regulated
- to the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists
- includes the adoption of a statutory Code of Conduct for
pharmacists
- introduction of a ‘fitness to practise’ system for
pharmacists
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Codes of Conduct
Codes of Conduct or ethics – frame the culture in which
professionals practise and bring an ‘internal accountability’
They generally express/outline the values, attitudes,
behaviours required by members of a profession
Agreed standards relating to relationships within
profession (to ensure ‘good name’/status of and confidence
in profession as a whole) as well as relationships with other
professions and with public
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What is a profession?
The term profession now used broadly to include any kind
of work or occupation requiring special intellectual
training/knowledge/skill ... but
“an organised profession requires more than the mere
existence of an intellectual discipline . . . . the essence of
professionalism is the relationship of trust which exists
between the practitioner and the person who receives
advice or service”
Pharmacy Law and Ethics – Dale and Applebe
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What is a profession?
Professionalism– “autonomous application of capability
in a professional environment which meets expectations of
peers, patient the public and society”
Capability – “all round human quality, an integration of
knowledge, skills, attitudes and values used appropriately
and effectively”
Definition borrowed from Prof Keith Wilson, Aston University
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Codes of conduct
In modern professionalism the old system of ‘paternalism’
is replaced by a ‘partnership’ approach with patients and
other healthcare professionals
There is a promotion of the autonomy of patients, their
rights, entitlements, expectations; protection of vulnerable
patients
Additional accountability for all professions/avoidance of
conflicts of interest – patients must be able to trust
impartiality of professional advice
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Codes of Conduct
In the past, codes have been a guide (only) to what is
required/desired – ‘morally binding’ rather than strictly
legally binding
Move now to a statutory basis for pharmacists in Ireland –
set standard for registration, continued registration/fitness
to practise
sets out the key principles or professional ethical standards
in accordance with which pharmacists should practice their
profession.
is a public declaration of these principles and ethical
standards
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Pharmacy Act 2007
Code of Conduct for pharmacists
Six principle statutory code
Public declaration of ethical standards which govern
practice of profession and which public, patients, other
healthcare professionals etc require and expect
Provides support and guidance to pharmacists
Breaches will be considered ‘professional misconduct’ –
actions judged against Code – Part 6 of Pharmacy Act 2007
– ‘fitness to practise’ consequences for breaches of code
Section 33 defines ‘professional misconduct’ as including “a
breach of the Code of Conduct for registered pharmacists”
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Pharmacy Act 2007
Code of Conduct for pharmacists
Every pharmacist is personally responsible under the Code
of Conduct for his/her own acts or omissions
Pharmacists may also be responsible under the Code for
the acts or omissions of persons operating in the area of
pharmacy under their direction, control or supervision
Applies to all pharmacists whether they practise in
community, hospital, industry, regulatory or administrative
environments or in any other form of professional practice
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Code of Conduct- background
Section 7 of Pharmacy Act 2007 lays down duties of PSI,
including “to draw up codes of conduct for pharmacists”
Section 12 outlines procedure for submitting it to
Competition Authority (CA) for opinion, obtaining
consent of Minister, laying before Houses of Oireachtas
and publishing
Consultation process during 2008 with profession and
sector
Positive opinion from CA in October 2008
Approved by Minister on 14 November 2008
Code of Conduct for pharmacists laid before Houses of
Oireachtas in February 2009
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Principles of the Code
Broad definition of the patient
includes a person or persons who stand in such a
degree of relationship to a pharmacist that the
pharmacist ought to reasonably apprehend that such a
person or person’s health, wellbeing and care are likely
to be affected by the acts or omissions of that
pharmacist
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Principles of the Code
ONE: The practice by a pharmacist of his/her
profession must be directed to maintaining and
improving the health, wellbeing, care and safety of
the patient.
This is the primary principle and the following
principles must be read in light of this principle.
Patient care is paramount
Rational and proper use of medicines
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Principles of the Code
TWO: A pharmacist must employ his/her professional
competence, skills and standing in a manner that
brings health gain and value to the community and the
society in which he/she lives and works.
Use skills properly
Participate in wider health service
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Principles of the Code
THREE: A pharmacist must never abuse the position
of trust which they hold in relation to a patient and in
particular, they must respect a patient’s rights
including their dignity, autonomy, and entitlements to
confidentiality and information
Be trusted
Respect rights
Involve/inform patients in partnership approach
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Principles of the Code
FOUR: A pharmacist must conduct himself/herself in a
manner which enhances the service which their profession
as a whole provides to society and should not act in a way
which might damage the good name of their profession.
Behave well
Work well with other healthcare professionals
Disclose concerns to PSI/relevant authorities –note: may also do
so via ‘whistleblowers’ legislation since 01 March 2009
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Principles of the Code
FIVE: A pharmacist must maintain a level of competence
sufficient to provide his/her professional services
effectively and efficiently.
Maintain competence
Ongoing audit/review/learning
Communicate effectively
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Principles of the Code
SIX: A pharmacist must be aware of his/her obligations
under this Code and should not do anything in the course
of practising as a pharmacist, or permit another person to
do anything on his/her behalf, which constitutes a breach
of this Code or impairs or compromises his/her ability to
observe this Code.
Comply with Code, help others comply
Ensure all practices consistent with Code
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Applying the Code
Every pharmacist has an obligation to comply in full
with the statutory Code of Conduct
Superintendent and supervising pharmacists have
important role in ensuring and supporting compliance
Code provides guidance to professional practice
Pharmacists should be mindful that breaches of the
Code may be considered professional misconduct with
possible implications on fitness to practise
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Applying the Code
Every pharmacist should regularly consult the Code
and familiarise themselves with its contents
Each pharmacist should reflect on how principles of
Code and various guidance notes impact on their own
practice and guide their professional development
Code enables and empowers pharmacists in relation to
professional practice
Application of and adherence to the Code ensures that
relationship with patients is protected and enhanced
and ensures and enhances the reputation of the
pharmacy profession
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THANK YOU