Pharmacist Suspension Extended for Unsafe Controlled Drug Practices and Police Caution in Third Review
Date of Decision: February 3, 2020
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Supplied controlled drugs (diazepam, methadone, buprenorphine) without prescriptions.
- Failed to endorse FP10MDA prescriptions.
- Failed to maintain appropriate pharmacy records.
- Maintained inaccurate Responsible Pharmacist log.
- Received a police caution for unlawful possession of a large quantity of controlled drugs.
- Failed to notify the GPhC of the police caution within seven days.
- Was suffering from adverse physical or mental health.
Outcome: Suspension extended for 12 months
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 1 – Provide person-centred care
- Standard 2 – Work in partnership with others
- Standard 3 – Communicate effectively
- Standard 4 – Maintain, develop and use professional knowledge and skills
- Standard 5 – Use professional judgement
- Standard 6 – Behave in a professional manner
- Standard 7 – Respect and maintain the person’s confidentiality and privacy
- Standard 8 – Speak up when they have concerns or when things go wrong
- Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership
Case Summary
Allegations
The registrant, a pharmacist, was found to have committed a range of serious misconducts concerning the unsafe and unlawful handling of controlled drugs. Over an extended period in 2016, he supplied medication, including diazepam, methadone, and buprenorphine, to patients without valid prescriptions. Numerous regulatory breaches were identified during a Controlled Drugs Liaison Officer (CDLO) investigation triggered by concerns raised by a local GP surgery.
Failings included:
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
- Panel findings and reasoning
- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacist
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
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- Full hearing transcript
- Detailed findings of fact
- Sanction reasoning
- Details of the pharmacy professionals involved