Pharmacy Law and Ethics Flashcards

A patient requests their community pharmacist to provide a copy of their Summary Care Record (SCR). Under what circumstances can the pharmacist access the SCR?

Answer: Only with the patient's informed consent and for direct patient care purposes

Pharmacists can access the SCR with the patient's informed consent for the purpose of providing direct patient care. This includes understanding the patient's medication history, allergies, and adverse reactions. Access without consent is only permitted in specific emergency circumstances.

Under the Equality Act 2010, a pharmacy must make reasonable adjustments for disabled patients. Which of the following is an example of a reasonable adjustment?

Answer: Providing written information in large print for a visually impaired patient

The Equality Act 2010 requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people are not placed at a substantial disadvantage. Providing large print information is a practical adjustment that removes a barrier to accessing pharmacy services.

What is the responsible pharmacist's legal obligation regarding the pharmacy's standard operating procedures (SOPs)?

Answer: The responsible pharmacist must ensure SOPs are in place and are followed during their period of responsibility

Under the Medicines (Pharmacies) (Responsible Pharmacist) Regulations 2008, the responsible pharmacist must ensure that appropriate SOPs are in place and are being followed during the period they are the responsible pharmacist. This is a legal, not merely professional, requirement.

A prescriber telephones a pharmacy to request an emergency supply of a Prescription Only Medicine. Under what condition can the pharmacist legally make this supply?

Answer: The prescriber must undertake to furnish a prescription within 72 hours, and the drug must not be a Schedule 1, 2, or 3 controlled drug

Under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, a pharmacist can make an emergency supply at the request of a prescriber provided the prescriber undertakes to furnish a prescription within 72 hours. Schedule 1, 2, and 3 controlled drugs (except phenobarbital for epilepsy) cannot be supplied this way.

Which body is responsible for investigating fitness to practise concerns about registered pharmacists in Great Britain?

Answer: The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

The GPhC is the independent regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy premises in Great Britain. It investigates fitness to practise concerns and can impose sanctions including removal from the register. The RPS is the professional body but has no regulatory powers.

A pharmacist suspects a prescription has been forged. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Answer: Refuse to dispense, retain the prescription, and contact the prescriber to verify its authenticity

If a pharmacist suspects forgery, they should not dispense the prescription. The prescription should be retained and the prescriber contacted to verify authenticity. If forgery is confirmed, the police should be informed. Dispensing a suspected forged prescription could facilitate drug misuse and is a breach of professional duty.