Pharmacy law part 2

Question 1

What are possible complaints against registered pharmacists?

Answer 1

1. Any complaint to SPC about a pharmacist’s conduct that brings disrepute to his/her profession
2. Information given to SPC about a pharmacist that breaches written laws
   - PRA (Pharmacist Registration Act) Health Products Act 2007, Medicine Act, Misuse of Drugs Act, Poisons ACT, etc.
3. Information given to SPC on a registered pharmacist involved in fraud, dishonesty, or defect in character that makes him/her unfit for his/her profession within or outside of Singapore.
4. Information regarding mental or physical fitness of a pharmacists to practice

Question 2

What is the process of filing a complaint?

Answer 2

1. The complaint must be written and supported by statutory declaration (declared true). If a public officer or a officer of the council were to be the one lodging the complain, no statutory declaration is needed.
2. The Council must refer the complaint or information to the chairperson of the Complaints Panel
3. The Chairperson will then appoint a committee to review the complaint.
   (1 chairperson, 2 registered pharmacist - at least one not a member of the council, 1 layperson)
4. The complaint committee will then decide on:
   a. Issuing a letter of advice to the pharmacist
   b. Warn the pharmacist
   c. Dismiss the complaint
   d. Any other order that is deemed fit.
5. If a registered pharmacist is convicted of fraud, dishonesty, abuse of qualifications, the matter will be referred to the disciplinary committee.

Question 3

Who makes up the disciplinary committee and what actions can they take?

Answer 3

A disciplinary committee is made up of:
1. At least 3 registered pharmacist w at least 10 years standing
a. At least 2 must be members of the Council

2. One observer as a lay person

Actions that a disciplinary committee can take:
1. Removal from register
2. Suspension for a period of time
3. Restrict scope of practice
4. Impose a fine
5. Issue a warning letter
6. Any other actions deemed appropriate

Question 4

Who makes up the health committee and what actions can they take?

Answer 4

The Health Committee is made up of:
- At least 3 members of the Council

When a complaint on a pharmacist mental and physical health is lodged, the Health Committee can:
a. Order the pharmacist to pay the cost incurred to the incident
b. Suspend the pharmacist
c. Place the pharmacist under restricted registration to fulfill requirements
d. Recommend to SPC to remove the pharmacist from the register.

Question 5

According to the PRA, what are the 3 types of register of pharmacist in SG?

Answer 5

1. Register of Pharmacists
2. Register of Specialists
3. Register of Temporarily Registered Pharmacists

Question 6

What is the registration of specialist?

Answer 6

It is a list of pharmacists recognised as specialist due to their qualifications, specialised knowledge & experience.

Specialists must meet the criteria stated by the Pharmacy Specialists Accreditation Board (PSAB).

Question 7

Why is there a need for the Register of Specialists?

Answer 7

1. To ensure more evidence based, cost effective and safe use of medicine for better patient outcomes
2. Create more opportunities & career pathways

Question 8

What are the 7 pharmacy specialties in Singapore?

Answer 8

1. Oncology
2. Critical Care
3. Cardiology
4. Paediatrics
5. Geriatrics
6. Infectious diseases
7. Psychiatry

Question 9

What is the criteria to become a specialist?

Answer 9

1. Completed 1 year full-time residency training in broad-based pharmacotherapy recognised by PSAB
2. 1 year full time residency in specialty applied for and recognised by PSAB.