Your guide to Pharmacy Law and Ethics
This archive contains General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Fitness to Practise (FtP) case summaries, detailing regulatory decisions affecting pharmacy professionals in the UK.
Each case provides insight into professional misconduct, errors, and ethical breaches that led to sanctions such as suspension, removal, or warnings. These summaries are valuable for:
The decisions in these cases shape the legal and ethical landscape of pharmacy practice. Staying informed can help pharmacy professionals avoid similar mistakes and maintain high professional standards.
Date of Decision: September 28, 2021
Allegations: Conviction for theft by employee at Warwick Crown Court on 21 September 2020.
Outcome: Removed from the register with interim suspension.
Date of Decision: January 11, 2021
Allegations: Conviction for multiple counts of rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault over a period of 20 years.
Outcome: Removal
Date of Decision: January 16, 2023
Allegations: Shortcomings in professional practice requiring development plans and monitoring.
Outcome: Interim conditions, 12 months
Date of Decision: January 16, 2023
Allegations: Concerns regarding professional practice and compliance with pharmacy regulations, necessitating interim conditions to ensure safe practice.
Outcome: Interim conditions imposed for 12 months.
Date of Decision: July 6, 2023
Allegations: Supplied controlled drugs to Patient A without a valid prescription on various occasions between August 2018 and February 2019. Supplied a controlled drug on February 23, 2018, without the form of the medication specified in the prescription. Supplied a controlled drug on April 10, 2018, where the prescription lacked the quantity in words and figures and the drug name. Supplied a controlled drug on December 9, 2018, using an expired prescription dated November 25, 2014. Failed to adequately investigate the genuineness of Patient A's prescriptions between January 2018 and February 2019.
Outcome: Suspension (6 months) with no review
Date of Decision: July 19, 2023
Allegations: Supplied medications without a valid prescription to Patient A and Patient B. Did not record the supply of medications on patient records. Reprinted and altered prescription labels to conceal pharmacy details. Dishonestly led patients to believe medications were prescribed by their GP. Created a fake email and falsified an employment reference to secure a job.
Outcome: Suspension, 12 months
Date of Decision: July 26, 2023
Allegations: Showed a work colleague an indecent image on a mobile phone. Made inappropriate comments to a colleague. Actions were sexually motivated.
Outcome: Suspension for 3 months, no review
Date of Decision: August 4, 2023
Allegations: Misconduct and Conviction
Outcome: Conditions (12 months)
Date of Decision: September 5, 2023
Allegations: The registrant, a locum pharmacist, falsified timesheets by claiming to have worked more hours than actually worked, resulting in overpayment.
Outcome: Order to lapse on expiry, allowing the registrant to return to unrestricted practice.
Date of Decision: October 5, 2023
Allegations: Ordered medication using the Pharmacy's PMR system without proper authorization. Took stock from the Pharmacy without payment or adequate audit trail. Issued private prescriptions without permission or indemnity insurance. Charged patients fees for private prescriptions without authorization. Acted dishonestly by charging for private prescriptions and seeking financial gain.
Outcome: Suspension (4 months) with a review