Pharmacy Law & Ethics Flashcards

What is the legal basis for a pharmacist to make an emergency supply of a POM without a prescription?

Answer: The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 allow emergency supply at patient or prescriber request under defined conditions

Pharmacists can make an emergency supply under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 when a prescriber cannot be contacted or the patient urgently needs continuation of chronic therapy, subject to conditions.

A patient requests a repeat prescription service through the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). What is EPS?

Answer: A system for electronic transfer of prescriptions between prescriber, dispenser, and NHS Business Services Authority

EPS allows prescriptions to be sent electronically from GP practices to dispensing contractors (pharmacies), reducing paper and improving efficiency of the dispensing cycle.

Which of the following is a legal requirement on a private prescription for a Schedule 2 CD?

Answer: The prescriber's address, signature, date, and full name and address of the patient

CD prescriptions (Schedule 2 and 3) must include: prescriber name, address, and signature; patient name and address; drug, dose, form, total quantity; and date — all legally required.

Under GPhC standards, a pharmacist must maintain their competence through:

Answer: Continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to their scope of practice

GPhC standards require all pharmacy professionals to maintain and develop their competence through ongoing CPD activities relevant to their current professional role and scope.

What action should a pharmacist take if they receive a prescription they believe is for excessive quantities intended for misuse?

Answer: Use professional judgement, potentially contact the prescriber, and decline to dispense if misuse is suspected

Pharmacists have a professional duty to exercise judgement. Contacting the prescriber, assessing context, and refusing if misuse is suspected are all appropriate professional responses.