The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has called for clarification of the responsible pharmacist requirements but will not be asking the Department of Health to amend the commencement date of the regulations.

The Societys Council debated the responsible pharmacist requirements in the light of concerns amongst community and hospital pharmacists about their implementation.

President Steve Churton said “Some of the concerns relate to existing problems that have been brought into sharper focus as a result of the introduction of the regulations. These include concerns about the relationship with employers, and being properly supported to take professional decisions. Council agreed that these must be addressed regardless of when the responsible pharmacist requirements are implemented”.

There are a number of operational issues related to the responsible pharmacist requirements which need clarification for the profession. These include

The definition of operation of a pharmacy which seems to run counter to the governments proposals around the greater use of skill mix in pharmacy

Requirements to remain contactable during an absence from the pharmacy for a rest break

Whether a responsible pharmacist should read all the standard operating procedures prior to commencement as a responsible pharmacist

“The Society will undertake urgent work, in conjunction with other bodies, to provide further clarification, guidance and support to members and pharmacy owners to enable them to fulfil their obligations under the new regulations. This clarification will be produced prior to the introduction of the responsible pharmacist requirements,” continued Mr Churton.

“The Society has also decided not to request a delay of the implementation date of the responsible pharmacist requirements. The regulations were published a year ago following a fairly lengthy period of consultation and discussion in the profession and a number of organisations and employers have produced support material or plan to deliver training in the lead up to that date.

“The responsibilities of the responsible pharmacist are not significantly different to the current responsibilities of the pharmacist in personal control. Indeed, the responsible pharmacist changes make explicit some of the implicit requirements of the Medicines Act.

“The views of a number of leading hospital pharmacists also informed our thinking and they stated the implementation of the responsible pharmacist requirements should not be delayed as clear guidance would be available for hospital pharmacy shortly.”

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