Pharmacist Suspended for Forgery of Prescription Due to Coercion

In a recent determination by the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee, a pharmacist was found to have impaired fitness to practise due to a conviction for forgery. The case centered around the registrant’s creation of a false prescription for a large quantity of codeine, an addictive opioid, under coercion from an unknown individual who threatened violence. The registrant admitted to the facts and expressed remorse, stating that the action was out of character and driven by fear for personal safety.

The Committee found that the registrant’s actions breached several GPhC standards, including failing to provide person-centered care and not behaving in a professional manner. Despite the registrant’s insight and remediation efforts, the Committee determined that the seriousness of the offense warranted a suspension to uphold public confidence in the profession.

The sanction imposed was a four-month suspension, reflecting the need to maintain professional standards and public trust. The Committee considered the registrant’s remorse, lack of financial motivation, and the isolated nature of the incident as mitigating factors. However, the breach of trust and potential risk to public safety were significant aggravating factors.

This case highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and professional judgment, even under duress. Pharmacy professionals are reminded of the critical role they play in safeguarding public health and the severe consequences of actions that undermine this trust. The decision serves as a cautionary tale about the need to report threats and seek help rather than compromising professional standards.