Pharmacist Removed from Register for Unsafe Storage and Intended Reuse of Out-of-Date Medicines

Date of Decision: December 16, 2019

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

• Asked an individual to store pharmaceutical waste (DOOP bins) in his garage.
• Requested that the same individual compile inventories of out-of-date medicines.
• Intended to reuse medications that were expired.
• Failed to ensure safe and effective storage of medication by instructing untrained individuals to handle pharmaceutical waste.

Outcome: Removal from the GPhC register

GPhC Standards Breached:

• Standard 1.1 – Make sure the services you provide are safe and of an acceptable quality
• Standard 1.2 – Take action to protect the well-being of patients and the public
• Standard 1.6 – Do your best to provide medicines and other professional services safely and, when patients need them
• Standard 2.1 – Consider and act in the best interests of individual patients and the public
• Standard 2.2 – Make sure that your professional judgement is not affected by personal or organisational interests
• Standard 6.2 – Not abuse your professional position or exploit the vulnerability or lack of knowledge of others
• Standard 6.5 – Comply with legal and professional requirements and accepted guidance on professional practice
• Standard 6.5 (repeated) – Meet accepted standards of personal and professional conduct
• Standard 7.4 – Take responsibility for all work you do or are responsible for. Make sure that you delegate tasks only to people who are trained to do them, or who are being trained

Case Summary

Original Case Document