CODE OF ETHICS FOR PHARMACISTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

As a professional requirement of registration, all pharmacists in Northern Ireland are expected to abide by the the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland's Code of Ethics.

The Code of Ethics sets the standard of professional conduct for all pharmacists and is regarded as governing the conduct of all pharmacists both within and outside the practice of pharmacy.

Breach of the Code of Ethics could form the basis of a complaint of misconduct and an appearance before the Statutory Committee of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland. The Statutory Committee can determine to remove registration of a pharmacist.

The Code details eight mandatory principles and obligations that explain the required standards of professional behaviour.  These are:

1. Make the safety and welfare of your patients your prime concern
2. Respect and protect confidential information
3. Show respect for others
4. Exercise professional judgement in the interests of patients and the public
5. Encourage patients (and/or their carers as appropriate) to participate in decisions about their care
6. Maintain and develop professional knowledge and competence
7. Act with honesty and integrity

8. Provide a high standard of practice and care at all times

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS

Supporting professional standards and guidance documents have been developed to expand upon the principles of the Code of Ethics for specific areas of practice or professional activities. These are:

• Professional standards and guidance for patient consent
• Professional standards and guidance for patient confidentiality
• Professional standards and guidance for the sale and supply of medicines
• Professional standards and guidance for advertising medicines and professional services
• Professional standards and guidance for internet pharmacy services
• Professional standards and guidance for pharmacist prescribers
• Professional standards and guidance on the Responsible Pharmacist Regulations

PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS

Professional guidance for raising concerns

Professional guidance on European Prescriptions

Guidance for Hospital Pharmacists on the Responsible Pharmacist Regulations

Practice Update on Codeine Containing Products

GUIDANCE ON LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland produces a separate guidance booklet for pharmacists in Northern Ireland on General Legal Requirements relevant to practice.

General Legal Requirements: a Guide for Pharmacists in Northern Ireland