PSI Irish Pharmacy Law & Ethics 2

Question 1

The General Medical Services (GMS) scheme in Ireland provides medicines free of charge to which patient group?

Accepted Answer

Medical card holders

Answer

Medical card holders (means-tested) receive prescription medicines dispensed under the GMS scheme free of charge. Pharmacies claim reimbursement from the HSE at agreed reference prices.

Question 2

Which ethical principle requires pharmacists to act in the best interest of the patient?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Beneficence means actively doing good for the patient — the duty to promote health and wellbeing. It forms a core pillar of pharmacy ethics alongside non-maleficence, autonomy and justice.

Question 3

A pharmacist who refuses to dispense a legal prescription on conscientious grounds must:

Accepted Answer

Refer the patient to another provider who can meet their needs

Answer

PSI guidance on conscientious objection states pharmacists may decline on personal grounds but must not abandon the patient — they must refer to another provider where the patient's needs can be met.

Question 4

Under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS), what is the monthly out-of-pocket cap per family in Ireland (as of 2024)?

Accepted Answer

€80

Answer

As of 2024, the DPS monthly threshold is €80 per individual or family. Once this amount is reached in a calendar month, further approved medicines are free. (The threshold was reduced from €144 in recent years.)

Question 5

The PSI Code of Conduct requires pharmacists to maintain professional competence through:

Accepted Answer

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Answer

PSI requires registered pharmacists to engage in CPD — recording learning activities in a CPD portfolio. This is a mandatory condition of retention on the pharmacist register.

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Irish Pharmacy Law & Ethics 2