Professionals

Code of Ethics and Standards Guidance

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 GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS

Professional guidance on raising concerns

Professional guidance on European Prescriptions

Guidance for Hospital Pharmacists on the Responsible Pharmacist Regulations

Practice Update on Codeine Containing Products

Guidance on Doctors' Licence to Practise changes

Guidance on Trading Medicines for Human Use

Guidance on Maintaining Clear Professional Boundaries

Guide to Legal Requirements

The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland's Guide to Legal Requirements is currently being reviewed and updated to take account of recent legislative changes such as the Responsible Pharmacist regulations, Emergency Supply regulations, and regulations relating to prescriptions from other EEA states. The revised version is due to be published by the end of April 2009. In the meantime, information and advise in relation to legal obligations can be obtained by contacting the office on 02890 326 927.

*Please note all documents on this website are available in other languages upon request. Contact mark.neale@psni.org.uk 

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