A Guide to Irish Pharmacy Laws Every Pharmacist Should Know
Pharmacists in Ireland must navigate a comprehensive legal
and regulatory framework designed to ensure the safe, effective, and ethical
provision of pharmacy services. Essential laws and regulations that every
pharmacist should be familiar with include:
1. The Pharmacy Act 2007 and Its Regulations
- The
Pharmacy Act 2007 is the cornerstone of pharmacy law in Ireland,
establishing the PSI as the regulatory authority and defining the legal
framework governing the pharmacy sector.
- It
oversees the registration, regulation, and disciplinary processes for
pharmacists and pharmacies.
·
The
Act sets out provisions relating to professional conduct, pharmacy premises,
and the control and supply of medicines.
2. Code of Conduct for Pharmacists
- Under
the Pharmacy Act 2007, the PSI has developed a statutory Code of Conduct,
which sets out the core principles and professional standards pharmacists
must adhere to.
- The
Code applies to all pharmacists regardless of their practice setting
(community, hospital, industry, regulatory).
- Pharmacists
are personally responsible for their actions and those under their
supervision.
- Breaches
of the Code can lead to professional misconduct findings and penalties
such as suspension or cancellation of registration.
3. Prescription and Supply of Medicines
- Pharmacists
must supply Prescription Only Medicines (POMs) only on receipt of a
legally valid prescription.
- They
must verify the authenticity of prescriptions, ensure clinical
appropriateness, and provide sufficient information to patients for safe
use.
- Emergency
supplies and patient group directions (PGDs) are exceptions to standard
procedures, but they are strictly regulated.
- The
Misuse of Drugs Acts and Poisons Acts regulate controlled substances and
poisons, requiring strict compliance with prescription and storage rules.
4. Regulation of Internet Pharmacy Services
- Internet
pharmacies must be registered with the PSI and comply with the same legal
standards as physical pharmacies.
- They
must ensure prescriptions are valid, patients are informed, and medicines
are supplied safely.
- Online
sellers must also be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare Products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and display their registration details.
5. Advertising and Marketing of Medicines
- Advertising
medicinal products is regulated to prevent misleading claims and ensure
public safety.
- Pharmacists
must comply with advertising rules under the Pharmacy Act and associated
regulations.
6. Additional Legislation and Areas of Practice
- Manufacturing
and wholesaling of medicines are subject to specific regulatory controls.
- Veterinary
medicines and methylated spirits are regulated under separate legislation
but are relevant to pharmacy practice.
- Pharmacists
must be aware of their legal liabilities, including negligence and
defective products liability.
7. Professional Standards and Patient Safety
- Pharmacists
have a legal and ethical duty to maintain and improve patient health,
wellbeing, and safety.
- They
must exercise professional judgment, maintain confidentiality, and uphold
the highest standards of care.
Resources for Pharmacists
- The
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland provides guidance, FAQs, and detailed
standards for pharmacy practice.
·
The
book Pharmacy and Medicines Law in Ireland is a thorough and
authoritative resource that covers all legal aspects relevant to pharmacists
practicing in Ireland.
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