registration of pharmacists part 1

Question 1

how many pharmacists constitute the SPC council? (s4)

Answer 1

11; 9 registered pharmacists appointed by the Minister +

2 ex-officials (Chief Pharmacist of MOH + NUS Pharmacy Head or designate, a registered pharmacist)

Question 2

the 3 year term is for which members (s4[2])

Answer 2

9 appointed members; also eligible for reappointment

Question 3

whats the eligibility for council membership? (s7)

Answer 3

• being SG citizen or SPR
• not an undischarged bankrupt
• no Hx of conviction for fraud, dishonesty or moral character
• not totally/partially incapacitated by mental or physical disability

Question 4

how do we appoint the president of council?

Answer 4

• appointed from council members by the Minister

- be in meetings of the council (to elect 1 council member to preside over meeting if absent)

Question 5

what makes a quorum

Answer 5

5 council members in a meeting

Question 6

what happens when there is an equality of votes occurs (i.e tie)?

Answer 6

president/ presiding council member has a casting vote besides his/her original vote

minutes of proceedings to be kept

Question 7

functions of SPC (s5)?

Answer 7

• registration adminstration (e.g. cert of reg and PC, approve/reject applications)
• registration requirements & standards (e.g. protocol, exams)
• local pharm degrees recommendations
• registered pharmacists’ training & education
• conduct & ethics of registered pharmacists

Question 8

what are the 3 registers maintained by the registrar (s15)

Answer 8

1. Register of Pharmacists (Part I: Fully registered; Part II: Conditionally registered)
2. Register of Specialists (7 specialities)
3. Register of Temporarily Registered Pharmacists (residing temp in SG for purpose of teaching, research or postgrad study in a SPC-approved institution

Question 9

What does one need to be fully registered? (s16)

Answer 9

1. Holds a SG pharm degree
2. not less than 12 mths of prac exp at SPC approved training site [where 9 months under supervision of a fully reg pharm]
3. Good rep and character
4. FtoP: Physical & Mentally fit

Question 10

What does one need to be conditionally registered?

Answer 10

1. any acceptable pharm degrees (PQCRR)
   1b. registered pharm and PC in that country
2. Not less than 12 mths in SPC approved sites [not less than 3 mths acquired in SG]
3. Pharm Law (3 attempts), Practice of Pharmacy (3 attempts), English Language (if not from AUS, NZ, UK, Canada, USA)
4. Character standing: Good rep and character from foreign country
5. Fitness to practice: Physically & Mentally

Question 11

how to change from a conditionally registered pharmacist to a fully reg pharmacist?

Answer 11

1-2 years of working experience

Question 12

who are eligible to be registered as temporarily registered pharmacists?

Answer 12

• teaching, research or post grad studies in SPC approved institution
• someone of international standng/ value to SG
• not entitled to be registered under PRA but have qualifications deemed adequate for registration

Question 13

what are possible requirements for temp reg pharmacist?

Answer 13

• may need to do some exams

- renew for another 1 year

Question 14

what do pharmacists have to inform the registrar in writing within 28 days of change?

Answer 14

if any changes to their name, residential/practice address, qualification changes

Question 15

why may the Register refuse to register any applicant?

Answer 15

• if his reg was withdrawn/suspended or cancelled in any other country
• any opinion of that person is not eligible to be registered as a pharmacist
• not good rep or character
• unfit to practice due to physical or mental condition