Copying of registration certificates
The guidance supersedes that contained within a “Law and ethics
bulletin” published on 25
October 2003.
Under Sections 70 and 71 of the Medicines Act 1968, a pharmacist in personal
control of a pharmacy must have his or her registration certificate conspicuously
displayed.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are advised that they must only
use their original registration certificate, issued by the Royal Pharmaceutical
Society, to display their registration details in a pharmacy. Under no
circumstances may a copy of a registration certificate be used.
Pharmacists’ and pharmacy technicians’ registration certificates
are the property of the Society. As such, the Society only allows pharmacists
to provide copies of registration certificates for those requesting a
copy for genuine record-keeping purposes.
Examples would include, where
an overseas registration board or Society needs a copy as part of their
application process, or an employer/locum agency wishes to place a photocopy
of a pharmacist’s registration certificate in their personal file
to demonstrate that a check of their registration status has been made.
Any photocopies should be clearly marked “copy”. Pharmacists
must ensure that safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorised use
of their certificate or copies thereof.
Those using copies of certificates as a means of checking registration
must ensure that a live
register search is undertaken on the Society’s
website or through the Registration section, to make
certain of the registration and practising status of the pharmacist.
This is vital with the introduction of interim orders affecting certain
pharmacists’ ability to practise and the possible movement of pharmacists
to different parts of the register.
Once the requirements for the responsible pharmacist come into force
under the Health Act 2006, pharmacists will no longer be required to
display their registration certificates. New guidance will be issued
at that time.
If transporting the certificate is difficult, an A4-size registration
certificate is available. Those members wishing to take advantage of
this facility should return their certificate (by recorded delivery)
to the Registration Section. The cost of a replacement certificate is £10
(cheque made payable to RPSGB). Pharmacists can expect to receive their
certificate within eight weeks. Their new certificate will be sent to
their registered address by recorded delivery.
The information contained here applies equally to pharmacists and registered
pharmacy technicians. Back to Top
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Restrictions on the sale of plano (zero powered), cosmetic contact lenses
Pharmacists are advised that they must not sell plano (zero powered)
cosmetic contact lenses unless they are sold under the supervision of
a registered optician,
dispensing optician or doctor.
The General Optical Council (GOC) has previously issued a press release, clarifying
this situation.
Pharmacists wishing to sell zero powered contact lenses must do so in accordance
with the relevant legal requirements contained within The Opticians Act 1989,
and the subsequent Rules and Regulations. Failure to do so could result in action
being taken for breach of the legislation.
For further information on these legal requirements, the GOC should be consulted,
(website www.optical.org; telephone 020 7580 3898; e-mail goc@optical.org). |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal