Responsible Pharmacist Regulations 2023

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum duration a responsible pharmacist (RP) can be absent during business hours?

3 hours

2 hours (correct)

4 hours

1 hour

Which of the following tasks cannot continue in the absence of a pharmacist?

Preparing prescriptions (correct)

Providing patient consultations

Selling general sales list (GSL) medicines

Dispensing over-the-counter medications

What must a pharmacy do if the responsible pharmacist leaves during contractual hours?

Not notify anyone

Close immediately

Allow other staff to manage all operations

Notify the NHS service (correct)

Who can provide advice to patients in the pharmacy?

Any staff member with training Signup and view all the answers

What must a pharmacy owner legally ensure regarding pharmacy records?

They are kept and preserved regardless of RP status Signup and view all the answers

During a pharmacist's absence, which type of medicine can still be sold?

General sales list (GSL) medicines Signup and view all the answers

How should staff be informed of changes to procedures within the pharmacy?

Through regular training and updates Signup and view all the answers

What should be arranged if the responsible pharmacist is absent but there are other pharmacists present?

One pharmacist must remain contactable Signup and view all the answers

What is one legal requirement for the Responsible Pharmacist regarding record keeping?

Records must be kept for five years and available for inspection. Signup and view all the answers

How many pharmacies can one Responsible Pharmacist oversee at a time?

Only one pharmacy at a time. Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in the Responsible Pharmacist notice displayed in the pharmacy?

Minimal information allowing identification of the pharmacist in charge. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following responsibilities is NOT part of the role of the Responsible Pharmacist?

Ensuring the pharmacy has at least two RPs on duty. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the Responsible Pharmacist is absent?

The absence must be documented in the pharmacy record. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the Responsible Pharmacist to ensure procedures are reviewed regularly?

To ensure compliance and quality following incidents or changes. Signup and view all the answers

What recent change has occurred regarding the powers of the GPhC in relation to Responsible Pharmacists?

The GPhC can dictate the roles and responsibilities of the RP. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Responsible Pharmacist's professional competence is true?

The RP must ensure they are professionally competent to fulfil their role. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Responsible Pharmacist (RP) Regulations 2008

The RP regulations cover legal, contractual, and ethical requirements for pharmacists
This knowledge is linked to other pharmacy legislation
Pharmacists use the regulations in their daily practices impacting how they work
The role of the RP is relevant to situations where a pharmacist isn't the pharmacy owner or the pharmacy isn't registered with the GPhC

Important Changes (2023-2024)

The RP regulations have been amended transferring power from the responsibility of the pharmacist owner to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
The GPhC will create rules regarding RP roles and responsibilities
The given information is current until the GPhC releases their updated rules; updates will be made as more information becomes available

Overview of RP Role

A pharmacist is responsible for the safe and effective running of the pharmacy
At any given time there can only be one designated responsible pharmacist for any pharmacy
The RP can only be responsible for one pharmacy at a time
To fulfil responsibilities the pharmacist must ensure professional competence

What the Regulations Cover

The RP is responsible for pharmacy records
This includes maintaining pharmacy procedures
The information must be preserved if any absence arises from the responsible pharmacist
It is important to note procedures for maintaining pharmacy records during pharmacist absences

Responsible Pharmacist Notice

The notice must be legally displayed; minimum information is legally required
The notice allows patients and the public to identify who's in charge of the pharmacy
Examples of what is included are the responsible pharmacist's name and registration number

Record Keeping

Keeping a record of the pharmacist on duty is legally required
This record is useful in case of incidents to complete needed audits
The record keeping can be kept in a written or electronic format
It must be completed by the responsible pharmacist
Any amendment must be clear detailing the corrections and changes
Records must be kept for 5 years and available for inspection

Pharmacy Procedures

Pharmacists are responsible for the safe and effective running of the pharmacy
They must establish, maintain, and review pharmacy procedures, making sure these are available for inspections
Reviewing procedures regularly, especially after incidents, is essential
Secure record-keeping is crucial to create a complete audit trail

Procedures: Considerations

The RP is responsible for ensuring safe and effective medicinal product handling
This includes ordering, storing, preparing, selling items in retail circumstances including outside the pharmacy, as well as disposing of out-of-date items or items that are returned
The responsible pharmacist must manage the pharmacy during the absence of another pharmacist
This includes how to handle complaints or incidents, staff changes and knowing how to handle patient advice

Absence from the Pharmacy

An RP is limited to 2 hours away from the pharmacy during business hours
If there are multiple responsible pharmacists, only one absence is permitted
The pharmacist must remain contactable or have another pharmacist able to take responsibility

What Happens When the RP is Absent

The pharmacy remains open
GSL (General Sale List) medicines can be sold normally
Pharmacy procedures that don't require direct supervision can continue
Prescription (P) medicines cannot be sold during absence

Contractual Issues

NHS terms of service mandates a pharmacist's presence in the pharmacy during contractual hours
Any changes to contractual hours must be notified in advance
Any pharmacist leaving during contractual hours could potentially put the pharmacy in breach of contract

Requirements for Pharmacy Owners and Superintendent Pharmacists

Owners and superintendents are legally required to keep pharmacy records
They must ensure these records are preserved
If the owner/superintendent is not the RP, there must still be a supervision plan in accordance with the RP for the specific pharmacy
Responsibility may be transferred to the superintendent pharmacist in the future

Do the RP Regulations Apply to Non-Registered Premises?

The regulations generally apply to healthcare settings where dispensing occurs.
In situations where a registered pharmacy is not the only service, an RP is needed for the registered pharmacy only.

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Description

Explore the latest updates on the Responsible Pharmacist (RP) regulations, focusing on legal, contractual, and ethical aspects essential for pharmacists. Learn how these changes impact daily practices and the role of the RP, especially in relation to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Stay informed about the evolving responsibilities and regulations that govern pharmacy management.