Pharmacist Suspended for Unsafe Remote Prescribing of High-Risk Medicines

Date of Decision: August 28, 2025

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

• Prescribed over 3,000 high-risk prescriptions through online pharmacies without proper clinical assessments.
• Relied solely on online questionnaires without face-to-face or virtual consultations.
• Failed to access GP or specialist records, compromising patient safety.
• Issued prescriptions for controlled drugs (e.g., opioids, z-drugs) inappropriately and without due consideration of dependence or misuse.
• Approved repeat prescriptions for patients with signs of drug-seeking behaviour.
• Failed to refer patients to their GPs or implement safety netting.
• Demonstrated a transactional approach to prescribing rather than one based on clinical need or UK prescribing guidance.

Outcome: Four-month suspension with a review; immediate interim suspension ordered.

GPhC Standards Breached:

• Standard 1 – Person-centred care: Failed to put the care of individuals first by not conducting appropriate assessments.
• Standard 2 – Partnership working: Did not collaborate with GPs or other professionals.
• Standard 4 – Professional judgement: Exercised poor judgment in issuing high-risk medications based solely on questionnaires.
• Standard 6 – Communication: Did not engage in any form of meaningful patient communication or follow-up.
• Standard 7 – Confidentiality and privacy: Failed to properly safeguard patient data and history by neglecting to access GP records.
• Standard 8 – Speaking up about concerns: Did not challenge unsafe prescribing models or raise concerns.
• Standard 9 – Leadership: Did not act as a responsible professional despite having the autonomy to make prescribing decisions.

Case Summary

Original Case Document