The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7200 p751-757
1 June 2002

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Single code of ethics for health professionals, says law expert

A single code of ethics for all health care professionals may result from the implementation of National Health Service reform legislation according to Jonathan Montgomery, professor of health care law, University of Southampton, speaking at a Pharmacy Law and Ethics Association seminar held last week.

A single criterion for misconduct may also be developed. However, there will still be separate processes for discipline and judgement because of the need for panels that understand each profession sufficiently.

In terms of education, Professor Montgomery said that the national agenda is moving in the direction of more joint training and more core health care professional skills. The new Council for the Regulation of Health Care Professionals, to be formed under the NHS Reform and Health Care Professions Bill, will have power to direct the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Statutory Committee in its decisions and Section 80 of the Medicines Act 1968 (covering disqualification, and removal of premises from register). Ultimately, it is possible that the Society could have its regulatory role removed, Professor Montgomery said.

Helen Darracott, the Society's head of professional standards, said at the seminar that the Society is planning to put forward a proposal for reform of its disciplinary processes under Section 60 of the Health Act 1999.