PSI Irish Pharmacy Law

Question 1

What is the Pharmacy Act 2007 and what did it establish?

Accepted Answer

The primary legislation governing pharmacy practice in Ireland, establishing the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) as the pharmacy regulator

Answer

The Pharmacy Act 2007 is the cornerstone of pharmacy regulation in Ireland. It established the PSI as the independent regulator, replacing the old Pharmaceutical Society. The Act covers registration, fitness to practise, inspection, and standards for pharmacy practice.

Question 2

Under Irish law, who can own and operate a pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

A registered pharmacist, a partnership where all partners are registered pharmacists, or a company where the superintendent pharmacist is responsible for the professional aspects

Answer

The Pharmacy Act 2007 permits pharmacy ownership by registered pharmacists, partnerships of pharmacists, or registered pharmacy businesses. Every pharmacy must have a superintendent pharmacist who takes professional responsibility, and a supervising pharmacist must be present during opening hours.

Question 3

What are Scheduled Substances under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977-2016 in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Controlled drugs classified into five schedules based on their therapeutic value and potential for misuse, with different regulations for each schedule

Answer

The Misuse of Drugs Acts classify controlled substances into five schedules: Schedule 1 (highest restriction, e.g., LSD), Schedule 2 (e.g., morphine, fentanyl), Schedule 3 (e.g., buprenorphine), Schedule 4 (benzodiazepines), and Schedule 5 (preparations with low risk of misuse).

Question 4

What are the requirements for a valid prescription under the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003?

Accepted Answer

It must include the prescriber's name, address, and qualification; the patient's name and address; the drug name, form, strength, dose, quantity; the date; and the prescriber's signature

Answer

A valid prescription must contain: prescriber details (name, address, qualification), patient details (name and address), the medicinal product (name, form, strength), directions for use, quantity to be supplied, date, and the prescriber's signature (or electronic equivalent).

Question 5

What is the role of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI)?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the pharmacy profession, register pharmacists and pharmacies, set education standards, investigate complaints, and protect public health

Answer

The PSI is the independent statutory regulator of pharmacy in Ireland. Its functions include maintaining the register of pharmacists and pharmacies, setting standards for education and practice, conducting inspections, investigating fitness to practise concerns, and advising the Minister for Health.

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Irish Pharmacy Law