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Council Message
The challenges of recent months in providing pharmacy services whilst keeping staff and customers safe in a pandemic situation is recognised by the Council, and we understand how this has created additional stress on staff as well as customers. Pharmacists have been busy adjusting to the rapidly occurring changes and should be congratulated on their efforts to manage services in this public health emergency.
During this time we have also seen an increase in the number of complaints or notifications about pharmacists in NSW via Ahpra, the Health Care Complaints Commission and the Pharmacy Council compared to the same period last year. Not surprisingly, many complaints relate to the impact of Covid-19 which has created uncertainty particularly around the supply or access to medicines, provision of hand sanitiser and face masks, and some have highlighted communication issues in pharmacies.
Dr Joyce Cooper
President
Ownership
Important message to all Pharmacy Proprietors or financial interest holders
The Pharmacy Council has functions under Schedule 5F of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (National Law) which includes approving the registration of financial interests (ownership) of pharmacy businesses operating in NSW.
Part of this function involves the review of agreements and arrangements between pharmacy owners or financial interest holders with third parties to ensure compliance with Schedule 5F of the National Law, especially with regard to conferral of financial interests to third parties.
Message to proprietors – check your emails before making that call.
This year a certificate of registration of pharmacy premises and payment receipt was sent by email following payment of the annual renewal of pharmacy premises registration fee.
Emails were sent to pharmacy email addresses recorded on the Register of Pharmacies.
To assist Council staff, proprietors are asked to search for the email before calling the Council to request a replacement certificate and receipt.
Last minute CPD - Reflective learning tool
The Pharmacy Council recently awarded a research grant to Joanne Zeilinga for her project titled “Reflective learning in pharmacy practice concerning drugs of addiction”. Through the project, pharmacists are provided with an opportunity to pilot a new online reflective learning tool. Find out more at www.acrosslearning.com
The project aims to
- Improve confidence in dispensing practice for drugs of addiction.
- Gain insights into the challenges facing pharmacists in the area of practice.
- Identify resources to address perceived gaps in practice or knowledge.
The tool will be available from 1 September to 30 November 2020, allowing pharmacists to self-record last-minute CPD points for this cycle.
Opioid Treatment Program (OTP): Pitfalls and Consequences
Could this happen in your pharmacy?
The ability of community pharmacy to offer the Opioid Treatment Program is very valuable, and when managed well can significantly improve the lives and well-being of individuals who have become drug-dependent. Many pharmacists feel privileged to be able to offer this service and to observe its beneficial effects. However, this comes with the responsibility of maintaining strict compliance with all legal requirements, and the consequences of failing to do so can be severe.
Key Facts:
- The law is the law – pharmacists must practice strictly in accordance, with no exceptions
- Pharmacy proprietors are responsible for all activities in their pharmacies whether they are physically present or not
- Proprietors may be suspended or have conditions imposed if they do not actively monitor and ensure the compliance of their employees
For further information, including a case study with quiz, click the link below.
Recent NSW Tribunal decisions:
HCCC v Surinder Kaur Finding: Professional misconduct. Decision: Reprimand and cancellation of registration.
HCCC v Phillip Slater Finding: Professional misconduct. Decision: Reprimand and cancellation of registration
HCCC v Hany Abdalla Finding: Professional misconduct. Decision: If registered, his registration would have been cancelled. Disqualified from being registered as a pharmacist for 3 years
HCCC v Hussein Saab Finding: Unsatisfactory professional conduct and Professional misconduct Decision: Reprimand and conditions on registration
HCCC v Louis Visvis Finding: Professional misconduct. Decision: Cancellation of registration
HCCC v John Moawad Finding: Professional misconduct Decision: Cancellation of registration
Useful links:
Advice for Community Pharmacies on COVID-19 https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/pharmacy.aspx
Advice for pharmacists for managing the supply of medicines in the pandemic and assisting patients in home isolation, including information on mental health support for patients in home isolation. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/pharmacy-supply.aspx
If you would like to provide feedback or make a complaint about our administrative and business processes using our online form or by emailing us at mail@hpca.nsw.gov.au
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