Council approves guidance to support Code
Seven documents setting out standards and guidance to support the revised Code of Ethics have been agreed by the Council of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The documents were approved, subject to final minor amendments, at the June
Council meeting.
Douglas Simpson, chairman of the Law and Ethics Committee, reminded the
Council that the new Code of Ethics was due to come into force on 1 August.
The code concentrated on principles and alongside it would be more detailed
guidance. The Society had produced seven documents setting out standards
for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in positions of authority, for
patient consent, for patient confidentiality, for the sale and supply
of medicines, for pharmacist prescribers, for advertising of medicines
and professional services and for internet pharmacy services.
Mr Simpson said that detailed consultation had now taken place on all
seven documents. The response had generally been positive. As a result
of the consultation, a number of minor changes had been made and endorsed
by the committee. With the Council’s approval, the seven documents
would come into force on 1 August at the same time as the new code.
Martin Astbury said that he agreed with the new minimalist Code of Ethics,
but the guidance documents would give massive reassurance to pharmacists
and technicians.
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