RP - Responsible Pharmacist

What legislation covers RP rules?

Responsible Pharmacist Regulations 2008

Outline rules of Responsible Pharmacist Regulations 2008

-Legal requirement for every retail pharmacist to have RP on duty

-Cannot be RP for 1+ pharmacy (exceptional circumstances- emergency/pandemic)

-For retail pharmacies + hospital pharmacies registered with GPhC

Legal definition of RP

-Responsible for securing safe + effective running of pharmacy

List 4 responsibilities of the RP

1) Safe + effective running (even during absence)

2) Display notice

3) Complete pharmacy record to identify RP

4)Establish, maintian, review procedures for safe working

Abence- How long can an RP be absent?

-Maximum 2 hours between midnight + midnight

-For ALL RPs

Absence- When can an RP be absent? (rules)

-If pharmacy can continue to run safely + effectively

-Must remain contactable (consider best way!)

-Must be able to return with "reasonable promptness" when necessary

What can a pharmacist do if they are not contactable?

May arrange another pharmacist to provide advice (BUT STILL STAY RP!!)

List examples of why an RP may be absent

-Attent meeting with local GPs

-Visit patient at home

-Visit residential/nursing home to provide advice on medication or train

-Attend training event

List some considerations an RP must make before absence!

-Professional judgement- outweigh risks!

-How must they remain contactable?

-How long to get to destination + back?

How do rules in the pharmacy change when the RP is absent?

-GSL meds sold

-P meds NOT SOLD

-Rx can be taken in, if they are assembled decided by RP

-Rx NOT GIVEN OUT!!

Why is it better to buy GSL meds from a pharmacy?

Staff trained to give advice/answer questions :)

Requirements of the RP notice

-Name

-GPhC registration mumber

-The fact that they are in charge at this time

-Where members of public can see "Conspiciously displayed"

-Even when RP is absent

-Downloadable from GPhC website (but doesnt need particular template)

Requirements of the Pharmacy record

-Name

-GPhC registration number

-Date + time became RP

-Date + time ceased

-Date, time of absence, time returned

How is the Pharmacy record kept? By who? How long?

-5 years by owner/superintendent pharmacist

-Available for inspection at pharmacy

-Paper/electronic/both

-Legal requirement

What advice does the GPhC give about pharmacy records?

-Completed personally

-Reason for absense noted

-Amendments/alterations should have identification+when

-Completed in real time, not retrospectively

-Not completed until pharmacist assumed role

-Pharmacy must not open until this is done

-Electronic records backed up regularly

What info will pharmacy procedures have?

-Establish, maintain, review procedures for safe working (SOPs)

-Cover ordering, storing, preparing, selling, supplying, deliverying, disposal

-Advice Non pharmacist staff can give

-Identify what staff are competent to undertake what activities

Use of SOPs

-referred to when handling complaints/incidents

Describe SOPs regarding RPs

-Arrangements during absence

-Arrangements when RP changes

Requirements of SOPs

-Reviewed every 2 years

-Date written, date of review

-If amended/reviewed, must be recorded

-Must be available for inspection

What dilemma presents itself when an RP is not available?

-Pharmacy must close- restricted titles such as chemist or pharmacy is unlawful

-But breaches NHS contract to dispense prescriptions

-NHS Local Area Team must be informed