GPhC Pharmacy Law & Ethics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Medicines Act 1968, which category of medicine can only be sold from a registered pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist?
- Pharmacy (P) medicine (Correct answer)
- Prescription Only Medicine (POM)
- General Sales List (GSL) medicine
- Controlled drug
Correct answer: Pharmacy (P) medicine
Pharmacy (P) medicines can only be sold from registered pharmacies under pharmacist supervision. GSL medicines can be sold anywhere; POMs require a prescription.
Question 2: The GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals require pharmacists to be 'person-centred'. What does this mean in practice?
- Tailoring care to individual patient needs and preferences (Correct answer)
- Always agreeing with the patient's requests
- Prioritising speed of service
- Documenting all interactions electronically
Correct answer: Tailoring care to individual patient needs and preferences
Person-centred care means actively listening to patients, involving them in decisions about their treatment, respecting their values and preferences, and communicating clearly.
Question 3: A pharmacist suspects a prescription may be forged. What is the correct first action?
- Contact the prescriber to verify the prescription (Correct answer)
- Dispense the prescription and report later
- Refuse dispensing and call the police immediately
- Ask the patient to return with a new prescription
Correct answer: Contact the prescriber to verify the prescription
The first step is to verify authenticity by contacting the prescriber directly using a verified number (not one on the prescription). Dispensing a forged prescription is a criminal offence.
Question 4: Which body is responsible for regulating pharmacists in Great Britain?
- General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) (Correct answer)
- Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI)
- NHS England
- Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS)
Correct answer: General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
The GPhC is the statutory regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy premises in Great Britain. The PSNI regulates in Northern Ireland.
Question 5: Under which legislation is patient information sharing between healthcare professionals governed in the UK?
- UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 (Correct answer)
- Freedom of Information Act 2000
- Mental Health Act 1983
- Health and Social Care Act 2012
Correct answer: UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
UK GDPR (retained EU law) and the DPA 2018 govern how personal health data is processed and shared. Healthcare professionals must have a lawful basis for sharing patient information.
Question 6: What is the maximum quantity of codeine linctus a pharmacist may sell to one customer over the counter under current guidelines?
- One 100 mL bottle (limiting to small quantities) (Correct answer)
- Unlimited if the patient insists
- Any amount up to 500 mL
- Only on prescription
Correct answer: One 100 mL bottle (limiting to small quantities)
Sales of codeine-containing preparations should be limited to small quantities (typically one pack/bottle). Pharmacists must use professional judgment to prevent misuse and dependence.
GPhC Pharmacy Law & Ethics 1
Under the Medicines Act 1968, which category of medicine can only be sold from a registered pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist?