Introduction to Pharmacy Law Flashcards
Main Laws that you will need to know or be aware of?
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012
- Medicines Act 1968
- Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2014
- The Misuse of Drug Act 1971
- Data Protection Act 1988
- Environmental Protection Act 1990
- The Deregulation Act 2015
- Poisons Act 1972
- Denatured alcohol regulations 2005: control of substances hazardous to health regulations 2002 (COSHH)
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Equality Act 2010
What are the different types of law relevant to pharmacy?
- Statute Law
- Common Law
- Public Law
- Civil Law
What is Statute Law?
Body of principles and rules laid down in statutes (between states and citizens).
1) it Is an act of parliament
- can be public or private acts
- pharmacy only affected by public acts of Parliament e.g poisons act, misuse of drugs act
2) acts are usually called primary legislation
3) statutory instruments are secondary legislation
Public Law
Involves the state or government (can be either statute law or common law).
Includes:
- Criminal law
- Administrative law
Criminal Law
In England and Wales the crown prosecution service makes decisions to prosecute someone alleged to have committed an offence.
What is a crime?
An act of violation of criminal law made with criminal intent
What is administrative law?
Controls how public bodies and individuals should operate.
Includes the NHS and community pharmacy operators.
Examples of administrative law in pharmacy
NHS dispensing contract
Terms of service
What is professional Law?
Law allowing discipline of eg. health professionals
GPhc is constituted in statutory law
Pharmacist and pharmacy technicians order 2007 gives GPhC the power to discipline pharmacists and technicians
What is “Standard of care”?
A way to judge in a professional tribunal if a pharmacist is guilty of professional misconduct
Common law
1) developed from the decisions of senior judges in the courts
2) relate to specific circumstances when legislation does not exist/apply
e.g a pharmacist has a common law duty of care to their patients and the public
Civil Law
Concerned with disputes between individuals or organisations regarding duties, rights and obligations.
E.g. property, law of contract, negligence
What is a tort?
A wrongful act committed against another person, intentional or not.
Examples of tort in pharmacy practice
Breach of confidence
Defamation
Negligence
Negligence
Owe a legal duty of care
Negligence is a breach of that duty leading to loss or damage.