Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
Code of Professional Conduct
(Adapted from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain Code of Ethics1)
Preamble
"Self regulation and self discipline are the foundation upon which the credibility of any profession rests".2 This Code of Professional Conduct is the means by which the pharmacy profession may regulate itself and publicly state the principles by which members of the profession interact with clients, other health professionals and the community.
The Code has not been presented in a legally rigorous manner, nor does it present all circumstances which might be considered inappropriate or unacceptable conduct. Rather it establishes a set of fundamental principles to guide pharmacists in discharging their responsibilities in relation to maintaining and improving the health and well-being of clients and the Australian community.
Structure of the Code
Principles Statements which capture the philosophical concepts which form the foundation of the Code of Conduct. They are statements which are expected to be resilient over time.
Obligations More detailed statements to inform pharmacists of standards of professional behaviour that they must meet.
Although not underpinned by legislation a breach of the obligations, and, by inference, of the principles could be expected to be the basis for disciplinary action.
Principle ONE
The primary concern of the pharmacist must be the health and wellbeing of both clients and the community.
Obligations
1.1 A pharmacist must at all times act in a manner which promotes and safeguards the interests and welfare of clients and the community.
1.2 A pharmacist must not purchase, sell or supply any medicinal product where there is reason to doubt its safety, quality or efficacy or where there is clear, new evidence that demonstrates or places doubt on previously established product safety or where a product may impose a hazard to the patient's health or condition.
1.3 A pharmacist must exercise professional judgment to prevent the supply of products likely to constitute an unacceptable hazard to health or the supply of unnecessary and/or excessive quantities of medicines and other products, particularly those which have a potential for abuse or dependency.
1.4 A pharmacist must ensure that all reasonable care is taken when disposing of medicinal products and chemicals.
1.5 A pharmacist shall accept responsibility for their own professional activities and for all activities undertaken under their direct supervision.
Principle TWO
A pharmacist must at all times uphold the reputation of the profession and adhere to the legislation applicable to the practice of pharmacy.
Obligations
2.1 A pharmacist must act according to the laws and regulations governing the profession and adhere to the code of professional conduct.
2.2 A pharmacist must act with honesty and integrity having due regard for standards of behaviour accepted within the profession and reasonably expected by the community and other health professionals.
2.3 A pharmacist offering services directly to the public must do so in premises which reflect the character of the profession.
Principle THREE
A pharmacist must respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of professional practice relating to clients and their families. Such information shall not be disclosed to anyone without the consent of the client. Exceptions may arise where the health of the client or others is at risk, where information is sought by an officer of a statutory authority empowered under legislation, where a court order requires the release of confidential information, or the information is released to those assuming responsibility for the patient (e.g. next of kin, parent, relative, guardian or anyone with powers of attorney).
Obligations
3.1 The pharmacist must exercise discretion and restrict access to information relating to clients and their families to those who, in the pharmacist's judgment, need the information to discharge their responsibilities to the client or, in extraordinary circumstances, the public.
3.2 The pharmacist must ensure that anyone who has access to information relating to client and their families
- is aware of the need to respect its confidential nature, and
- does not disclose such information but refers the matter to the pharmacist.
3.3 Where exceptional circumstances necessitate disclosure of information relating to clients and/or their families the content should be limited to the minimum necessary for the purpose of the disclosure.
Principle FOUR
A pharmacist must maintain a contemporary knowledge of pharmacy practice issues and professional knowledge in order to ensure a high standard of professional competence.
Obligations
4.1 A pharmacist must continually review and maintain their level of professional knowledge and expertise with a view to improving the quality and standard of pharmaceutical services available to members of the community.
4.2 When a pharmaceutical service is provided, a pharmacist shall ensure that it is provided efficiently, is tailored to the needs of the client and is delivered in a manner consistent with relevant standards.
4.3A pharmacist shall provide professional advice and counselling at every appropriate opportunity to ensure the patient and/or carer are sufficiently informed about the safe and effective use of their medications and to achieve optimal outcomes.
Principle FIVE
A pharmacist must neither agree to practise under conditions which compromise their professional independence, judgment or integrity, nor impose such conditions on other pharmacists.
Obligations
5.1 A pharmacist must freely exercise professional judgment when carrying out the duties of a pharmacist and should not accept employment in which this freedom may be compromised.
5.2 A pharmacist managing an environment in which other pharmacists are employed must ensure the professional autonomy of those pharmacists is preserved.
5.3 A pharmacist must avoid situations likely to present a conflict of interest or compromise the objectivity of their professional practice.
Principle SIX
A pharmacist must respect the skills and expertise of other health professionals and work cooperatively with them to optimise the health outcomes of their mutual clients.
Obligations
6.1 A pharmacist shall maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and other health professionals.
6.2 A pharmacist shall consult professional colleagues and other health professionals where deemed to be in the best interests of the client having due regard for the client's right to confidentiality.
6.3 A pharmacist shall assist professional colleagues and other health professionals when called upon for advice or support.
6.4 A pharmacist shall endeavour to maintain the confidence and trust placed in colleagues by clients and shall refrain from making comment which could detract from the professional reputation of other health professionals or harm the relationship they have with clients.
6.5 A pharmacist must not enter into an association with a client or health professional that may be perceived as fraudulent or unethical or which may compromise the pharmacist's professional judgment or independence.
Principle SEVEN
A pharmacist shall provide complete, truthful and accurate information to clients regarding professional services and shall avoid misleading clients regarding the nature, cost or value of such services.
Obligations
7.1 All publicity must be legal, truthful and not abuse the trust of clients or exploit their lack of knowledge.
7.2 Publicity for professional services must be factual and accurate in order for a client to make an informed decision. It must not mislead or exploit the public nor should it create an invidious distinction between pharmacists or pharmacies.
Principle EIGHT
A pharmacist must respect the clients' autonomy and dignity and their right to make informed decisions relating to their treatment.
Obligations
8.1 A pharmacist shall assist clients to make informed decisions about their health care activities and treatments by providing information and advice to the best of their ability and according to the clients' stated needs.
8.2 A pharmacist must respect the clients' right to choose whether or not they participate in any treatment or accept advice.
Principle NINE
A pharmacist shall ensure continuity of care for the patient in the event of labour disputes, pharmacy closure or conflict with personal moral beliefs.
Obligations
9.1 A pharmacist shall when required, assist and refer clients to another pharmacist in order to maintain service and care.
9.2 A pharmacist shall provide adequate notice prior to termination of business or impending labour disputes that may affect the operation of their business and services to clients. A pharmacist shall inform patients of the pharmacy to which their records, if held, will be or have been transferred in the event of a pharmacy closure.
References
1. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Medicines, ethics and practice: a guide for pharmacists. 18th ed. London: RPSGB, 1997:69-88.
2. Vottero LD. The code of ethics for pharmacists [editorial]. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 1995; 52:2096.