Law 5

Who can own a pharmacy in the UK?

A pharmacist, a partnership including a pharmacist, or a body corporate such as a limited company.

Who is responsible for the safe running of a registered pharmacy?

The Responsible Pharmacist (RP).

What is the role of the Responsible Pharmacist?

To ensure the safe and effective running of the pharmacy while they are in charge.

What must be displayed when a Responsible Pharmacist is on duty?

A notice identifying the Responsible Pharmacist.

What is required before a pharmacy can legally operate?

The premises must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Which organisation regulates pharmacy premises in Great Britain?

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

What are the GPhC's main responsibilities?

Regulating pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and registered pharmacy premises.

What are the nine principles of the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals?

Provide person

What is the purpose of the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals?

To set out the professional standards expected of pharmacy professionals.

Can a pharmacy operate online without being registered?

No, online pharmacies must meet the relevant registration requirements.

What must an online pharmacy display?

Its GPhC registration details and the EU common logo where applicable.

What is the purpose of the EU common logo?

To help patients identify legally operating online pharmacies.

What is the GPhC register?

A public register of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and registered pharmacy premises.

Why is registration with the GPhC important?

It demonstrates that pharmacy professionals and premises meet the required regulatory standards.

What qualifications are required to become a pharmacist in the UK?

An accredited pharmacy degree, foundation training and successful completion of the registration assessment.

What is the purpose of foundation training?

To develop the practical knowledge and skills required to practise as a pharmacist.

What is the purpose of the GPhC registration assessment?

To assess whether a trainee has the knowledge and skills required to practise safely and effectively.

Who regulates pharmacists in England, Scotland and Wales?

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Who regulates pharmacists in Northern Ireland?

The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

What is the role of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland?

To regulate pharmacy professionals and pharmacy premises in Northern Ireland.

What is the difference between the GPhC and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS)?

The GPhC is the regulator, while the RPS is a professional leadership body for pharmacy.

What is the role of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society?

To support the pharmacy profession through professional development, guidance and leadership.

What is the difference between a regulator and a professional body?

A regulator sets and enforces standards, while a professional body supports and represents its members.

What is fitness to practise?

Whether a pharmacy professional is suitable to practise safely and effectively.

What can lead to a fitness to practise investigation?

Misconduct, lack of competence, health concerns or criminal convictions that affect professional suitability.

What is the purpose of fitness to practise proceedings?

To protect the public and maintain confidence in the pharmacy profession.

What actions can the GPhC take following a fitness to practise hearing?

It can issue a warning, impose conditions, suspend registration or remove a professional from the register.

What does it mean to be removed from the GPhC register?

The individual can no longer practise as a registered pharmacist or pharmacy technician.

What is revalidation?

The process through which pharmacy professionals demonstrate that they remain fit to practise.

Why is revalidation important?

It ensures pharmacy professionals maintain and develop their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.

What is continuing professional development (CPD)?

Ongoing learning that helps pharmacy professionals maintain and improve their professional knowledge and skills.

What is the purpose of CPD?

To improve professional practice and patient care.

What is reflective practice?

Thinking critically about experiences to identify learning and improve future practice.

Why is reflection important in pharmacy?

It helps professionals learn from experience and improve the quality and safety of patient care.

What is the purpose of the GPhC Council?

To oversee the work and strategic direction of the regulator.

What is the role of the GPhC's committees?

To carry out specific regulatory functions, including registration and fitness to practise matters.

What is the purpose of pharmacy premises registration?

To ensure pharmacy premises meet the required standards for safe and effective service delivery.

What is the role of the superintendent pharmacist?

To oversee the safe and effective provision of pharmacy services across a company's pharmacies.

What is the difference between a superintendent pharmacist and a Responsible Pharmacist?

The superintendent has overall professional responsibility for the company's pharmacy services, while the RP is responsible for the safe running of a pharmacy during their period in charge.

What is the purpose of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)?

To regulate medicines and medical devices in the UK.

What is the role of the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?

To regulate and inspect health and social care services in England.

What is the main purpose of pharmacy regulation?

To protect the public by ensuring safe, effective and professional pharmacy services.