Pharmacy support staff

JANET FLINT, head of support staff regulation, Royal Pharmaceutical Society, replies:

Criteria for registration in the voluntary register of pharmacy technicians includes providing evidence of obtaining a valid qualification. It also requires evidence of recent work experience undertaking the roles and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician under the supervision, direction or guidance of a pharmacist for not less than 28 hours per week for two out of the past four years or 14 hours per week for four out of the past eight years, which is countersigned by a pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians who have a valid qualification but do not meet the work experience requirements may apply for registration, but will have to provide additional information about their roles and responsibilities, which will be subject to scrutiny by professional screeners appointed by the Society.