The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7248 p663
10 May 2003

Society summary

Society to proceed with regulation of technicians

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has received confirmation that Government ministers have agreed that it can proceed with the regulation of pharmacy technicians, including registration with the Society.

Legislation covering the Society's proposals for modernisation is to be drafted later in the year and this will include a regulatory framework for pharmacy technicians.

At a meeting held on 30 April, the Society's Council agreed to proceed with the implementation of the regulatory framework that it had approved in December 2002. Subject to legislation being in place, mandatory registration of pharmacy technicians will be introduced from 1 January 2007. This will be preceded by a two-year voluntary registration period.

The Society says that, from 2007, the acceptable qualification for entry to the register will be the S/NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services, which includes an accredited underpinning knowledge programme. Transitional arrangements will operate during the two-year voluntary period that will enable those with the responsibilities, experience and training background of pharmacy technicians (although this may have pre-dated S/NVQ courses) to register if they so wish.

Janet Flint, the Society's support staff regulation project manager, said: "We are delighted that ministers have confirmed that the Society is the most appropriate body to regulate pharmacy technicians. Extending professional regulation to pharmacy technicians will help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians better serve the public."

Darren Leech, president of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK, said: "The association is pleased with the decisions taken by both ministers and the Society's Council. We look forward to working with the Society throughout implementation of the regulatory framework and will aim to ensure that the views and interests of pharmacy technicians are fully considered. Setting a clear standard for pharmacy technicians through registration will also help the whole pharmacy workforce when planning for future service developments."