Section 60 Order now published as law
The Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Order 2007 has finally been published as a draft Statutory Instrument. Following debates on the Order in both houses of parliament, the Order is expected to be made at a Privy Council meeting on 7 February.
Made under Section 60 of the Health Act 1999, the Order repeals the Pharmacy
Act 1954 and brings in a new regulatory regime for pharmacists. Pharmacy
technicians working in England and Wales also become part of a regulated
profession.
Not all parts of the Order will come into effect at once — the
process of bringing the various sections into effect will be linked to
the making of rules by the Society’s Council.
Some of the changes requested by the Society’s Council are included
in the draft. These include that the definition of pharmacy or pharmacy
technician practice will now include working in or giving advice relating
to the practice of pharmacy. Another is that pharmacists registered in
Great Britain who work overseas will be able to be on the non-practising
part of the Society’s register.
The Council has been partially successful in its request that the chairman
of the new Disciplinary Committee be appointed by the Privy Council,
as has been the case for the Statutory Committee. The final draft provides
for the appointment to be made by the Privy Council, but allows the Privy
Council to seek assistance from the Government’s Appointments Commission.
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Hospital Pharmacist