Superintendent Pharmacist Suspended for Falsifying Responsible Pharmacist Records to Cover Absences

Allegations
The case centred on the actions of a Superintendent Pharmacist who, during a critical early phase of operating a new distance-selling pharmacy, engaged in repeated falsification of the Responsible Pharmacist (RP) log. Between May and September 2020, the registrant entered or allowed entries falsely indicating that either he or another pharmacist, referred to as Person A, were acting as the RP on specific dates. These entries were made while neither individual was present on the premises, which is a fundamental breach of the Medicines (Pharmacies) (Responsible Pharmacist) Regulations 2008.

Specifically, the registrant allowed the pharmacy to operate on 16 occasions without an RP present. On at least two occasions, he was physically out of the country but falsely recorded himself as the RP. In other instances, he falsely recorded Person A—who was not available and unaware of these falsifications—as being present as RP. This not only breached legal requirements but was found to be deliberate and dishonest.

Findings
All allegations were admitted by the registrant and accepted by the panel. The misconduct was deemed serious, reflecting deliberate and repeated dishonest conduct over four months. The panel acknowledged that the falsified records involved systemic breaches intended to deceive auditors and inspectors, enabling the pharmacy to function without adequate professional oversight.