Pharmacist Issued Warning for Unauthorised Access to Medical Records

In a recent determination by the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee, a pharmacist was issued a warning for misconduct involving unauthorized access to medical records. The pharmacist, who worked as a locum, admitted to accessing the records of three individuals (Persons A, B, and C) on multiple occasions without their consent and without a clinical reason. This conduct was deemed inappropriate, unprofessional, and lacking in integrity.

The Committee found that the pharmacist’s actions amounted to misconduct and impaired their fitness to practise, primarily on the grounds of public interest. Despite the pharmacist’s extensive efforts in remediation, including targeted CPD and reflection, the seriousness of the misconduct required a formal declaration to uphold professional standards and maintain public confidence.

The determination emphasized the importance of respecting patient confidentiality and maintaining integrity in accessing medical records. The pharmacist’s actions breached several GPhC standards, including those related to professional behavior, confidentiality, and integrity.

As a result, the Committee decided to issue a warning, which will be published on the GPhC register for one year. This warning serves as a reminder to all pharmacy professionals of the critical importance of accessing medical records only when clinically necessary and with appropriate consent, ensuring public trust in the confidentiality and integrity of healthcare services.

Learning points for pharmacy professionals include the necessity of adhering to data protection laws, respecting patient autonomy, and maintaining high standards of professionalism to foster trust and confidence in the healthcare system.