Pharmacist Suspended for Dispensing Controlled Drugs Without Prescription
Date of Decision: August 2, 2023
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Outcome: Suspension for 6 months
GPhC Standards Breached: Standard 1 – Provide person-centred care Standard 2 – Work in partnership with others Standard 5 – Use professional judgement Standard 6 – Behave in a professional manner Standard 8 – Speak up when things go wrong Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership
Case Summary
In a recent determination by the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee, a pharmacist was found guilty of misconduct for dispensing controlled drugs without a prescription. The case, heard remotely from July 31 to August 2, 2023, resulted in a six-month suspension for the pharmacist, who was not present or represented at the hearing.
Allegations:
The pharmacist faced several allegations, including dispensing controlled drugs to three patients without prescriptions between March and October 2020. Additionally, the pharmacist failed to ensure the safe dispensing of these drugs by self-checking and instructing dispensers to give out drugs without proper supervision. The pharmacist also did not report these incidents on the company’s reporting system in a timely manner.
Findings:
The committee found all allegations proved, noting that the pharmacist’s actions were not in accordance with the law and posed a risk to patient safety. The pharmacist’s conduct was deemed a serious departure from the standards expected, involving vulnerable patients and controlled drugs capable of causing harm.
GPhC Determination on Impairment:
The committee determined that the pharmacist’s fitness to practise was impaired due to the misconduct. The pharmacist’s actions brought the profession into disrepute and breached fundamental principles of pharmacy practice. Despite some insight shown by the pharmacist, the committee was not convinced that the risk of repetition was low.
Sanction:
Given the seriousness of the misconduct, the committee imposed a six-month suspension. This decision reflects the need to protect the public and maintain confidence in the pharmacy profession. The suspension allows the pharmacist an opportunity to reflect and engage with the process before a review hearing.
Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals:
This case underscores the importance of adhering to legal and professional standards, especially concerning the dispensing of controlled drugs. Pharmacy professionals must ensure prescriptions are current and valid, exercise sound clinical judgment, and report incidents promptly. The case highlights the need for pharmacists to manage workload pressures without compromising patient safety and to maintain open communication with employers regarding any challenges faced in practice.
Original Case Document
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