Pharmacy Law - Disciplinary & Health Enquiries

Question 1

what are the 4 types of complaints against registered pharmacists

Answer 1

given to the council

1) on the conduct in his/her professional capacity OR improper act/conduct which brings disrepute to profession

2) conviction in Singapore of any of the offences committed: under PRA, HPA 2007, Medicine Act 1975, Medicine (advertisement and sale) act 1955, misue of drugs act 1973, poisons act 1938… or any other written law

3) involving fraud or dishonesty, or implying defect in character which makes person unfit for profession

4) physical or mental fitness to practice

Question 2

what complaints are accepted by the spc?

Answer 2

1) in writing and supported by statutory declaration as council may require

2) no statutory declaration if made by public officer/officer of SPC/council

Question 3

what happens if council receives a complaint or information? composition of the committee(and length)

Answer 3

REFER complaint to the chairperson of the complaints panel

form a committee from complaints panel comprising
1) chairperson (must be member of council)
2) registered pharmacist 1 (non council)
3) registered pharmacist 2 (council/non council)
4) lay person

should be for one or more matters for a fixed period OR a fixed number of matters

Question 4

what happens if a registered pharmacist is convicted of fraud/dishonesty/abuse of title or qualifications

Answer 4

REFER to the disciplinary committee

Question 5

how should findings of the complaints committee be managed (no formal inquiry required)?

Answer 5

order that the registered pharmacist be issued:
1) letter of advice
2) warning
3) dismissal
4) any order thought fitting

Question 6

how should findings of the complaints committee be managed (formal inquiry required)?

Answer 6

order that inquiry be held by

1) health committee
2) disciplinary committee

Question 7

what happens if pharmacist requires inquiry for mental or physical fitness to practice?

Answer 7

REFER to the health committee

Question 8

composition of the disciplinary committee?

Answer 8

SPC appoint
- 3 reg pharm w 10 y standing (2 must be SPC members)
- one observer as lay person

Question 9

what can the discp committee recommend to pharmacist

Answer 9

remove from register

suspension for specified period

restrict scope of practice

impose a fine

issue letter of advice or warning

undertake abstinence from the improper action

any other action deemed appropriate by committee

Question 10

composition of the health committee?

Answer 10

council appoints:

at least 3 member of SPC of which one member must be appointed for at least 2 years and is eligible for reappointment

Question 11

what can the health committee exercise

Answer 11

order:
- pay costs and expenses of and incidental to the inquiry by health committee

• suspend registration
• restricted registration to fulfil requirements specified by health committee
• recommend to council that name be removed from appropriate register