NI Pharmacist Suspended for Dishonest Falsification of 109 Prescriptions to Obtain Medicines for Wholesale Profit
Date of Decision: June 24, 2013
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- That between September 2011 and 13 January 2012, at a community pharmacy in Sixmilecross, the registrant dishonestly falsified 104 prescriptions to Eli Lilly and Company in order to obtain quantities of medicines for resale in his wholesale business for profit.
- That between August 2011 and January 2012, at the same premises, the registrant dishonestly falsified 5 prescriptions to Healthcare at Home to obtain medicines for resale in his wholesale business for profit.
Outcome: 3 month suspension
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Principle 1: Make the safety and welfare of patients your prime concern (including obligations relating to safeguarding health, promoting rational use of medicines, and undertaking audits and risk assessments).
- Principle 2: Respect and protect confidential information.
- Principle 3: Show respect for others.
- Principle 4: Exercise professional judgement in the interests of patients and the public.
- Principle 7: Act with honesty and integrity.
- Principle 8: Provide a high standard of practice and care at all times.
Case Summary
Allegations
This case concerned a community pharmacist who admitted to dishonestly falsifying a substantial number of prescriptions over a period of approximately four and a half months. Between August/September 2011 and January 2012, the registrant created false prescriptions in order to obtain medicines from two suppliers—Eli Lilly and Company and Healthcare at Home—for resale through a wholesale business that he operated.
In total, 109 prescriptions were falsified: 104 directed to Eli Lilly and 5 to Healthcare at Home. The falsified prescriptions were used to manipulate supply arrangements and obtain stock for onward sale at a profit. The conduct took place at the pharmacy premises where the registrant practised and involved the use of pharmacy systems and documentation to generate apparently legitimate prescription orders.
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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
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