The responsible pharmacist regulations

Question 1

What is the responsible pharmacist regulations 2008?

Answer 1

• Legal requirement for retail pharmacy to have named responsible pharmacist on duty when pharmacy is open
• Responsible pharmacist has duty to ensure safe + effective running

Question 2

Does the responsible pharmacist regulations 2008 apply to all hospital pharmacies?

Answer 2

No - only if registered w/ GPhC

Question 3

What was the problem of the medicine act 1968?

Answer 3

Non-pharmacy retail outlet could sell GSL w/o pharmacist being present

Question 4

What is the legal definition of a responsible pharmacist?

Answer 4

• Pharmacist responsible for securing safe + effective running of pharmacy
• Responsible for securing safe + effective running even when absent

Question 5

What happens if there are 2 or more pharmacists working in a pharmacy?

Answer 5

Only one can be the responsible pharmacist

Question 6

Can pharmacists be the responsible pharmacist for more than 1 pharmacy at any one time?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

What does being a responsible pharmacist involve?

Answer 7

• Secure safe + effective running of pharmacy, including during periods of absence
• Display notice w/ who the responsible pharmacist on duty is
• Complete pharmacy record to identify who the responsible pharmacist is
• Establish, maintain + keep under review, procedures for safe working

Question 8

The responsible pharmacist may be absent for a max of how many hours?

Answer 8

2 hrs

Question 9

A responsible pharmacists may be absent if..

Answer 9

• Pharmacy can continue to run safely + effectively
• Contactable
• Able to return w/ reasonable promptness

Question 10

If the responsible pharmacist cannot be contactable, what can they do?

Answer 10

Arrange another pharmacist to provide advice

Question 11

What can/can’t occur when the responsible pharmacist is absent?

Answer 11

• GSL can be sold
• P can’t be sold
• Prescriptions taken im
• Dispensed + bagged prescriptions for collection must not be given out

Question 12

What are the rules when displaying a notice?

Answer 12

Legally state:

• Pharmacists name
• Pharmacists GPhC reg no.
• Fact they are in charge

Must be displayed to public + even when absent

Question 13

The pharmacy record must legally include what?

Answer 13

• Pharmacists name
• Pharmacists GPhC reg no.
• Date + time they became the RP
• Date + time they ceased to be the RP
• Absence from premises: date, time they left + returned

Question 14

How long must the pharmacy record be kept?

Answer 14

5 years

Question 15

Is the pharmacy record good practice or a legal requirement?

Answer 15

Legally required document

Question 16

What does the GPhC advise when writing the pharmacy record?

Answer 16

• Completed personally by RP
• Reason for absence noted
• Alterations should identify who + when they were made
• Recorded in real time
• Provides audit trail of responsibility

Question 17

According to GPhC advice, SOPs should be reviewed every how many years?

Answer 17

2 years

Question 18

What happens if there is no responsible pharmacist for a pharmacy?

Answer 18

• Pharmacy must close for sale + supply of med (but likely breach of NHS contract)
• Display of titles connected w/ sale of goods is unlawful if no responsible pharmacist