Regulatory and Disciplinary Processes for Pharmacists
Formerly regulated by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises are now regulated by The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) - the body responsible for protecting, promoting and maintaining the health, safety and well-being of the public and patients who use pharmaceutical services in the UK.
The General Pharmacuetical Council (whose web site can be found at web site can be found at www.pharmacyregulation.org) has been in operation since 27 September 2010. The intention behind the new arrangements is to make sure that the same principles as apply to other healthcare professions apply also to pharmacists and that the pharmacy profession is well placed to meet the challenges of the future.
All pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy owners/employers need to be aware of the changes to pharmacy regulation that this change will create, especially as it affects a number of areas including registration, continuing professional development, standards, fees and premises.
GPhC Standards and Quality
To protect patient safety, the General Pharmaceutical Council is responsible for setting standards that ensure the safe and effective practice of pharmacy and for setting the education and training standards for pharmacy professionals.
Those standards comprise:
- Standards of conduct, ethics and performance - which set out the behaviours, attitudes and values expected of pharmacy professionals and explain the minimum standards with which all pharmacy professionals must comply;
- Standards for owners and superintendent pharmacists of retail pharmacy businesses - these ensure the safe and effective practice of pharmacy at registered pharmacies;
- Standards for continuing professional development - these apply equally to all pharmacy professionals and are not changed by factors such as part-time employment;
- Standards for the initial education and training for pharmacists - ensuring that newly registered pharmacists are competent to practise safely and effectively;
- Standards for the initial education and training for pharmacy technicians - ensuring that newly registered pharmacy technicians are competent to practise safely and effectively;
- Standards of proficiency - not yet in effect and currently subject to consultation.
Details of the various standards together with relevant guidance can be found on the GPhC web site
More about the General Pharmaceutical Council
If you would like to find out more about the General Pharmaceutical Council and the procedures which apply in the event that you are investigated or disciplined by them, then visit our Medic Assistance Scheme web site where you will find details relating to:
- Governance of the General Pharmaceutical Council;
- GPhC Standards and Quality;
- Upholding standards by General Pharmaceutical Council;
- The General Pharmaceutical Council Inspectorate;
- General Pharmaceutical Council Investigating Committee;
- General Pharmaceutical Council Fitness to Practice Committee;
- General Pharmaceutical Council Appeals Committee;
- Interim Orders by General Pharmaceutical Council; and
- GPhC Health Assessments.
Contact us
If you find yourself the subject of an investigation, you should seek advice at the earliest opportunity. Similarly, if you wish to appeal a decision of the GPhC or apply for restoration, we are able to assist.