PSI Irish Pharmacy Law 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the requirements for storing controlled drugs in a pharmacy under Irish law?
- They must be stored in a locked receptacle (CD cabinet) that is securely fixed, accessible only to the pharmacist or authorised persons, with a controlled drugs register maintained (Correct answer)
- They can be stored on any shelf in the pharmacy
- Only Schedule 2 drugs need special storage
- Controlled drugs are stored the same as all other medicines
Correct answer: They must be stored in a locked receptacle (CD cabinet) that is securely fixed, accessible only to the pharmacist or authorised persons, with a controlled drugs register maintained
Controlled drugs in Schedules 2 and 3 must be stored in a locked, secure receptacle (usually a steel cabinet bolted to the wall or floor). Access is restricted to pharmacists and authorised staff. A controlled drugs register must record all receipts and supplies with running balances.
Question 2: Under the Pharmacy Act 2007, what is a 'fitness to practise' inquiry?
- A formal investigation by the PSI into whether a pharmacist's conduct, competence, or health renders them unfit to practise, which can lead to sanctions including removal from the register (Correct answer)
- A physical fitness test for pharmacists
- A routine annual review of pharmacy services
- A test of a pharmacist's knowledge only
Correct answer: A formal investigation by the PSI into whether a pharmacist's conduct, competence, or health renders them unfit to practise, which can lead to sanctions including removal from the register
The PSI can investigate fitness to practise complaints on grounds of professional misconduct, poor professional performance, impairment due to health conditions, or criminal convictions. Sanctions range from an admonishment to conditions on registration, suspension, or cancellation of registration.
Question 3: What is the pharmacist's legal obligation regarding the supply of emergency contraception in Ireland?
- Pharmacists can supply emergency hormonal contraception (e.g., levonorgestrel) without a prescription following a consultation, but may exercise a conscientious objection if they refer the patient elsewhere (Correct answer)
- Emergency contraception always requires a prescription
- Pharmacists cannot supply emergency contraception
- No consultation is required for emergency contraception
Correct answer: Pharmacists can supply emergency hormonal contraception (e.g., levonorgestrel) without a prescription following a consultation, but may exercise a conscientious objection if they refer the patient elsewhere
Emergency hormonal contraception is available without prescription in Ireland from pharmacies. The pharmacist must conduct a consultation to assess suitability. If a pharmacist has a conscientious objection, they must refer the patient to another pharmacist who can supply the medication.
Question 4: What are the rules regarding prescription repeats and validity in Ireland?
- A standard prescription is valid for 6 months from the date of issue; repeat prescriptions can be specified by the prescriber for up to 6 months of supplies; controlled drug prescriptions have more restrictive validity (Correct answer)
- Prescriptions never expire
- All prescriptions are valid for 12 months
- Repeat prescriptions are not allowed in Ireland
Correct answer: A standard prescription is valid for 6 months from the date of issue; repeat prescriptions can be specified by the prescriber for up to 6 months of supplies; controlled drug prescriptions have more restrictive validity
Standard prescriptions are valid for 6 months. Prescribers can indicate repeat dispensing. Controlled drug prescriptions (Schedule 2) are valid for only 14 days from the appropriate date and must specify the total quantity to be supplied. High-tech medicines may have different arrangements.
Question 5: What is the pharmacist's duty under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010?
- To ensure no psychoactive substances (other than legitimate medicines, alcohol, tobacco, and food) are sold from the pharmacy premises, and to be aware of substances that may be used for psychoactive purposes (Correct answer)
- This Act has no relevance to pharmacy practice
- Only Gardaí need to know about this Act
- The Act only applies to head shops
Correct answer: To ensure no psychoactive substances (other than legitimate medicines, alcohol, tobacco, and food) are sold from the pharmacy premises, and to be aware of substances that may be used for psychoactive purposes
The Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 criminalised the sale of psychoactive substances (formerly sold in 'head shops'). Pharmacists must ensure no such substances are sold from their premises and be vigilant about products that may be marketed as legitimate but are actually psychoactive substances.
Question 6: What is the legal position on pharmacist-administered vaccinations in Ireland?
- Pharmacists can administer certain vaccines (including flu and COVID-19) following approved training and within a collaborative practice framework (Correct answer)
- Pharmacists cannot administer any vaccines
- Pharmacists can administer all vaccines without restriction
- Only hospital pharmacists can administer vaccines
Correct answer: Pharmacists can administer certain vaccines (including flu and COVID-19) following approved training and within a collaborative practice framework
Since 2011, pharmacists in Ireland have been authorised to administer certain vaccines including seasonal influenza and, more recently, COVID-19. Pharmacists must complete PSI-approved training, maintain competence, and operate within the relevant protocols and collaborative practice agreements.
PSI Irish Pharmacy Law 2
What are the requirements for storing controlled drugs in a pharmacy under Irish law?