Disciplinary and Health Inquiries into Pharmacists

Question 1

Composition of complaints panel

Answer 1

▪at least 5 council members
▪10 to 40 senior registered pharmacists (of at least 10 years’ standing) who are not council members
▪6 to 40 lay persons nominated by the Minister

Question 2

Complaints Committee (CC) & Disciplinary Committee (DC) are formed by _______

Answer 2

complaints panel

Question 3

Chairman of complaints panel is drawn from council members in panel, and appointed by _____

Answer 3

council

Question 4

Members from DC and CC are drawn from _____

Answer 4

Complaints panel

Question 5

Composition of CC

Answer 5

4-member committee
* Chairman – council member
* 2 reg pharmacist, at least one of whom
is not a council member
* A lay person

Question 6

Function of CC

Answer 6

• Looks into complaint brought against pharmacist,
• Determines:
• if any sanctions or orders is needed
  against the pharmacist,
• if complaint inquiry needs to be
  referred to DC or HC

Question 7

All members have to be present for a CC meeting (T/F)

Answer 7

True

Question 8

CC has _____ months to call upon person/ request for documents/ reg pharmacist to assist with its investigation of complaint matter

Answer 8

3

Question 9

Does reg pharmacist have rights to be heard by CC?

Answer 9

No, all the things are done in writing e.g. written explanation unless by CC’s discretion

Question 10

Composition of DC

Answer 10

• Minimum 4 members
• Not less than 3 reg pharm of at least 10 years standing, of which at least 2 shall be from Council
• Chairman, a reg pharm appointed by Council
• Lay person, an observer, has no voting right

Question 11

Function of DC

Answer 11

Conducts formal inquiry into complaint against pharmacist

Question 12

Who to appeal to if pharmacist is against CC decision?

Answer 12

Minister

Question 13

Who to appeal to if pharmacist is against DC decision?

Answer 13

High Court

Question 14

When would DC refer cases to HC?

Answer 14

If during the inquiry, DC finds that the matter touches on pharmacist’s physical and mental condition, DC can refer matter to the HC

Question 15

Composition of HC

Answer 15

Comprises not less than 3 council members, appointed by the Council

Question 16

Function of HC

Answer 16

Look into inquiries relating to physical & mental fitness of pharmacist to practise

Question 17

Who to appeal to if pharmacist is against HC decision?

Answer 17

Minister

Question 18

Composition of Interim Orders Committee (IOC)

Answer 18

• 3 council members (wholly independent from CC or DC)
• Fixed term or formed when needed

Question 19

Function of IOC

Answer 19

Determine if pharmacist needs to be
suspended to protect the public or in public interest

Question 20

Who to appeal to if pharmacist is against IOC decision?

Answer 20

High Court