Code of-ethics-2011

Code of Ethics for Pharmacists Sept 2011

PSA Your voice.

Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

Background Pharmacists nominated by PSA Branches; PSA
members; and external stakeholders including
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Code of
Professional Conduct (from 1998) has been revised pharmacy, consumer and other health professional
to reflect: organisations and government bodies. The revised
code will be known as the PSA Code of Ethics for
›› changes in legislation, changes to the health care
Pharmacists (the ‘PSA Code’).
landscape and evolution of professional pharmacy
practice; Status of this Code
›› the implementation of national registration for All pharmacists registered with the Pharmacy Board
pharmacists including the overarching Code of of Australia (PBA) under the National Registration
Conduct for Registered Health Practitioners;
and Accreditation Scheme need to comply with
›› the reviews and subsequent release of PSA’s a common code of conduct that applies to all
Professional Practice Standards and the pharmacy registered health practitioners. The Code of Conduct
profession’s National Competency Standards
for Registered Health Practitioners provides guidance
Framework for Pharmacists in Australia 2010; and
on the ethical framework through which effective
›› consistency with contemporary pharmacy practice health services should be delivered. It contains
in Australia. important standards for practitioner behaviour
The review and revision of the previous Code on: working professionally with all members
was conducted through a rigorous, multi-stage of the health care team and system; sharing
process involving: the PSA Board and Branches; a decision-making and providing good care in a
Code Review Working Group and panel of Expert professional and ethical manner; minimising risk;

2 Code of Ethics for Pharmacists 2011 I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.

ensuring healthy and competent professionals; and the principles are intended to promote a better
contributing to the development of other health understanding of the context and application of
practitioners. the principles to everyday practice. Although the
principles are numbered and associated with a
The PBA has indicated that the PSA Code would
specific area of focus, they are of equal importance.
be implemented as the pharmacy profession-
specific code in addition to the overarching code Following the Summary of Principles, the main
for registered health practitioners. The PSA Code section of the document further articulates each
will, most likely, form an appendix to the health of the principles. A set of more detailed statements
practitioners’ code. The PBA, in its role of public (Obligations) outline the standards of professional
protection, may use or refer to the PSA Code in cases behaviour expected of a pharmacist.
involving the conduct or behaviour of pharmacists.
Where warranted, the PSA Code will also be
Purpose and scope of this Code supported by separate documents providing
additional detail and which can be updated as
The PSA Code must be read in conjunction with
required. These will be referenced in the Additional
other relevant documents such as: Federal and state/
guidance section.
territory legislation; standards, codes and guidelines
issued by the PBA; and guidelines and standards Application of this Code
issued by professional organisations. Nothing in the
The principles contained in this Code apply to every
PSA Code is to be construed as permitting breach
pharmacist irrespective of the role, scope, level or
of any law, or interpreted in any way which would
location of practice. Clearly there will be instances
discourage any pharmacist from complying with any
where some principles may not be directly relevant
legal obligation.
to an individual pharmacist’s usual practice, for
The PSA Code articulates the values of the pharmacy example, where the area of focus is on business
profession and expected standards of behaviour practices. However, it is expected that all pharmacists
of pharmacists to consumers and society. It is will embrace the underlying tenet of each principle
designed to guide and support professional practice and be responsible for propagating the profession’s
of all pharmacists. Note that the PBA’s definition of core values.
“practice” (adapted below) applies here.
Intern pharmacists and pharmacy students will be
To practise as a pharmacist means undertaking exposed to the PSA Code and learn about various
any role, whether remunerated or not, in which ‘codes’ of ethics relevant to their chosen profession.
the individual uses their skills and knowledge as a It is expected that intern pharmacists and pharmacy
pharmacist. Practice is not restricted to the provision students comply with the PSA Code during periods
of direct clinical care. It also includes working in of supervised practice (clinical placements).
a direct nonclinical relationship with consumers;
All non-pharmacist personnel engaged in the
working in management, administration,
pharmacy profession are strongly encouraged
education, research, advisory, regulatory or policy
to comply with the principles of the PSA Code.
development roles; and any other roles that
Employers are encouraged to include the PSA Code
impact on safe, effective delivery of services in the
as part of the employee induction process and
profession and/or use their professional skills.
regularly promote aspects of the Code. This will
Structure and content of this Code enhance rigour and promote confidence in
the profession.
The PSA Code consists of nine principles covering
five main areas of focus which are core to Additional guidance
pharmacists and pharmacy practice. The principles
The PSA will provide additional guidance to
capture philosophical concepts and form the
pharmacists on an ongoing basis to cover specific
foundation of the Code.
principles, areas of practice or issues as they arise
The Summary of Principles (p. 4) provides an or are identified. These may be provided as points
overview of the entire Code, the nine principles or referenced (if substantial documents) in the
aligned to areas of focus, and sub-text supporting Additional guidance section.
each principle. The areas of focus associated with

Code of Ethics for Pharmacists 2011 I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. 3

Code of Ethics for Pharmacists –
Summary of Principles

Area of focus Principle and supporting text

The consumer 1. A pharmacist recognises the health and wellbeing of the consumer as their
first priority.
A pharmacist will utilise expert knowledge and provide care in a compassionate and
professional manner.
2. A pharmacist pays due respect for the autonomy and rights of consumers and
encourages consumers to actively participate in decision-making.
A pharmacist will, through informed consent, pay due respect to the dignity and privacy of
the consumer including: respecting the consumer’s individuality; respecting their right to
refuse advice or treatment; and ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of the consumer
and information provided.

The 3. A pharmacist upholds the reputation and public trust of the profession.
community A pharmacist will not abuse the trust and respect of individuals and society.
4. A pharmacist acknowledges the professional roles in and responsibilities to the
wider community.
A pharmacist will ensure responsible and accountable control and supply of therapeutic
goods and contribute to public health and enhancing the quality use of medicines.

The pharmacy 5. A pharmacist demonstrates a commitment to the development and enhancement
profession of the profession.
A pharmacist will commit to advancing the profession through involvement in activities
including: training staff; engaging in teaching; acting as a preceptor; mentoring students,
interns and colleagues; engaging in discussions and participating in initiatives to develop
the profession; and showing professional leadership.
6. A pharmacist maintains a contemporary knowledge of pharmacy practice and
ensures health and competence to practise.
A pharmacist will recognise the importance of lifelong learning and self-development and
their impact on professional competence. Further, a pharmacist is responsible for ensuring
personal health to practise and supporting health professional colleagues in this regard.
7. A pharmacist agrees to practise only under conditions which uphold the
professional independence, judgement and integrity of themselves or others.
A pharmacist will exercise professional autonomy, objectivity and independence and
manage actual and potential situations of conflict of interest.

Business 8. A pharmacist conducts the business of pharmacy in an ethical and
practices professional manner.
A pharmacist will ensure business practices are conducted primarily in the best interest of
the consumer, paying due respect to colleagues, while upholding the reputation of the
profession.

Other 9. A pharmacist works collaboratively with other health professionals to optimise the
health care health outcomes of consumers.
professionals
A pharmacist will consult and work cooperatively with other health care professionals to
achieve expected or optimal health outcomes for the consumer.


Principles, obligations and
additional guidance

In this section, each Principle is further articulated In addition, points to guide the application of
through Obligation statements which outline the the PSA Code to everyday practice are provided.
standards of professional behaviour expected This Additional guidance section will be developed
of a pharmacist. further over time as issues arise or are identified.

Principle 1 – Consumer First Priority
A pharmacist recognises the health and wellbeing of the consumer as their first priority.

It is important to reiterate that this principle applies to all pharmacists, even when not involved in providing direct
care to consumers.

Obligations Additional guidance

A pharmacist must: ›› When recommending a therapeutic product, any new evidence or
lack of rigorous information must be carefully balanced with the
1.1 Consider their duty of care to the
consumer’s choice and health status.
consumer first and foremost.
›› Professional judgement must be exercised to prevent the supply of
1.2 Utilise expert knowledge and products likely to constitute an unacceptable hazard to health or
provide care in a compassionate the supply of unnecessary and/or excessive quantities of medicines
and professional manner. or products, particularly those which have a potential for abuse or
1.3 Recognise consumers who are dependency.
particularly vulnerable and tailor ›› It is important to ensure consumers understand both risks and
the provision of care accordingly. benefits associated with the chosen options of medication
management and care. Clear directions and contacts should be
1.4 Act to prevent harm to the
provided for actions to be taken in the event of an adverse event or
consumer.
outcome.
1.5 Promote good health and ›› As the consumer’s health care management may extend over more
wellbeing. than one health/pharmacy sector/provider, it is important that
pharmacists consider their liaison role and appropriately facilitate
continuity of care for the consumer.


Principle 2 – Informed Consent
A pharmacist pays due respect for the autonomy and rights of consumers and encourages consumers to
actively participate in decision‑making.

Participation by consumers in health care decisions is a core principle of the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights.
Consumers have the right to be informed about the choices available in health care and to be involved in making
decisions based on these choices. Optimal health outcomes will depend on consumers being made aware of
available options and expected outcomes (both positive and negative).


A pharmacist must: ›› Informed consent is based on provision of sufficient information
to enable the consumer to make an informed decision about
2.1 Respect the dignity of the
the medication or service. Coercion or lack of transparency
consumer.
are unacceptable.
2.2 Recognise and respect consumer ›› Provision of information must be tailored to the consumer’s needs
diversity, culture, beliefs, values and and purpose and in non-judgemental language.
characteristics, and not discriminate
›› The consumer has a right to be offered and to acquire all relevant
on any grounds.
information regarding their medication. However there may be
2.3 Through informed consent, exceptions to this consumer right; any legislative requirements and
encourage consumers to professional privilege represent two examples.
participate in shared decision- ›› Protecting the consumer’s right to privacy and confidentiality
making and assist by providing must occur not only in any interaction with the consumer but
information and advice relevant also in all communication between health practitioners regarding
to the consumer’s clinical needs in the consumer.
appropriate language and detail.
›› A pharmacist has a right to decline provision of care based on a
2.4 Respect the consumer’s choice conscientious objection. However, this right should not prevent
including the right to refuse the consumer from accessing health care that they are entitled to.
treatment, care or advice, or to Therefore in these circumstances the pharmacist should inform the
withdraw consent at any time. consumer of the objection and appropriately facilitate continuity of
care for the consumer.
2.5 Ensure compliance with the
consumer’s right to privacy. ›› Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights.
2.6 Ensure confidentiality of the
consumer’s information.


Principle 3 – Public Trust
A pharmacist upholds the reputation and public trust of the profession.

Pharmacists are regarded as role models and are granted certain professional privileges. In return, individual
members of the community and the whole of society expect professional behaviour which warrants trust and
respect.


A pharmacist must: ›› Consumers place a high level of trust in pharmacists and expect
sound and objective advice. Pharmacists should ensure they and
3.1 Demonstrate accepted standards
their staff are not susceptible to inappropriate marketing influence
of professional and personal
that may adversely impact on their primary obligation to provide
behaviour.
the most appropriate product, care or advice to meet consumer
3.2 Respect the trust that individuals needs.
and society place in the profession. ›› Pharmacists should carefully consider how information provided
3.3 Provide accurate, truthful, relevant to consumers has been received and interpreted. Information
and independent information in a provided should not exploit a person’s lack of knowledge or
form that is appropriate for and not understanding.
misleading to consumers.

Principle 4 – Quality Use of Medicines
A pharmacist acknowledges the professional roles in and responsibilities to the wider community.

Pharmacists commit to responsible and accountable control and supply of therapeutic goods and to contribute to
public health and enhancing the quality use of medicines in partnership with individuals and the wider community.
All aspects of pharmacy practice are underpinned by quality use of medicines principles and evidence-based
practice.


A pharmacist must: ›› All reasonable care must be taken when disposing of medicinal
products and chemicals. Medicines awaiting disposal must be
4.1 Ensure responsibility and
securely stored.
accountability in the control,
procurement, manufacture, ›› Timely reporting of suspected adverse events or reactions
handling and supply of therapeutic to therapeutic goods is also a professional responsibility and
goods. expectation.
›› Pharmacists must be cognisant of the nature and level of
4.2 Promote the roles and
responsibility the community expects of the pharmacy profession.
responsibilities of pharmacists to
the community. ›› Pharmacists have a responsibility to contribute to the achievement
of the objectives of Australia’s National Medicines Policy which are:
4.3 Consider the use of and access timely access to the medicines that Australians need, at a cost
to health resources in a fair and individuals and the community can afford; medicines meeting
equitable manner. appropriate standards of quality, safety and efficacy; quality use of
medicines; and maintaining a responsible and viable medicines
industry.


Principle 5 – Enhance the Profession
A pharmacist demonstrates a commitment to the development and enhancement of the profession.

All members of a respected and privileged profession have a role in the development, advancement and evolution
of that profession. There are a range of activities and opportunities available to fulfil this responsibility which
pharmacists may undertake to different extents at different stages of a professional career.


A pharmacist must: ›› Examples of activities to be involved in include: professional
development and training of staff; engaging in teaching; acting as a
5.1 Commit to advancing the
preceptor; mentoring students, interns and colleagues; engaging in
profession through involvement in
discussions and participating in initiatives to develop the profession;
appropriate activities.
developing and promoting professional roles and responsibilities
5.2 Encourage and support the to consumers, other health professionals and governments; and
ongoing development of staff and showing professional leadership.
colleagues. ›› A preceptor pharmacist must act as a role model and actively
engage in teaching and mentoring intern pharmacists and
pharmacy students, not leaving these responsibilities solely to other
staff members.
›› A preceptor pharmacist must not compromise or manipulate time,
effort or vulnerability of intern pharmacists.
›› A preceptor pharmacist must demonstrate fairness in the
interaction between preceptor and intern, and in the allocation of
learning opportunities.

Principle 6 – Lifelong Learning
A pharmacist maintains a contemporary knowledge of pharmacy practice and ensures health and
competence to practise.

All pharmacists should understand and accept the concept of lifelong learning and must commit to continuous
learning and professional development as a means of advancing their practice and professional role in the
community. Pharmacists also have a responsibility to identify impairment and ways to address the issues and seek
or provide support.


A pharmacist must: ›› Pharmacy Board of Australia. Guidelines
6.1 Recognise the importance of lifelong learning and self- on continuing professional development.
development and their impact on professional competence, and 1 July 2010.
commit to this concept in their current role, responsibility and ›› Pharmacy Board of Australia. Guidelines
scope of practice. for mandatory notifications. 1 July 2010.
6.2 Recognise the benefits of self-assessment, or appraisal or
review by others, of professional performance and respond
appropriately to the outcomes.
6.3 Be responsible for ensuring personal health to practise and
supporting health professional colleagues in this regard.
6.4 Recognise signs and behaviour in self and colleagues which
may indicate a need for intervention in professional practice and
referral for advice and support.


Principle 7 – Professional Accountability
A pharmacist agrees to practise only under conditions which uphold the professional independence,
judgement and integrity of themselves or others.

A pharmacist is responsible for the professional decisions and contributions he or she makes in professional
practice. Most practice settings involve working as part of a health care team which involves a pharmacist: working
alongside professional pharmacist colleagues; supervising and being accountable for interns, students and support
staff; or reporting to managers. Professional service delivery depends on successful team work derived from respect,
good communication and cooperation.


A pharmacist must: ›› A pharmacist must not override the professional autonomy of
pharmacists in his or her employ unless consumer safety may be
7.1 Exercise professional autonomy,
compromised.
objectivity and independence,
and manage actual and potential ›› It is advisable to refuse employment where a pharmacist’s
situations of conflict of interest. professional autonomy or judgement is denied or integrity is
compromised in any way.
7.2 Behave in a manner which makes
›› Pharmacists engaged in research must appropriately consider
it clear that he or she is responsible
responsible research practices and research ethics principles
and accountable for all decisions
including any declaration or disclosure of interests (eg. grants from
made and actions taken in
industry or shareholdings).
professional practice.
›› National Health and Medical Research Council, the Australian
7.3 Communicate with team members Research Council and Universities Australia. Australian code for the
regarding each person’s sphere of responsible conduct of research. 2007.
responsibility and line of reporting.
›› National Health and Medical Research Council, the Australian
7.4 Ensure that the working Research Council and Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.
environment and conditions are National statement on ethical conduct in human research. Updated
conducive to the optimal delivery September 2009.
of health care services and do not ›› Pharmacists who employ other health practitioners should sight
present a risk to the safety and care and authenticate credentials and be confident the activities and
of consumers or colleagues. services provided complement the role of the pharmacist. The
pharmacist shall maintain the professional role in the provision
of quality use of medicines, dispensing of medications and
counselling.
›› Pharmacists are responsible for actions of staff under their
supervision and arrangements must be made to ensure appropriate
professional indemnity insurance coverage.
›› It is recognised that sub-optimal working conditions may be
unavoidable in some emergency situations (eg. following floods,
fires or cyclones). Pharmacists should make their best efforts to
safeguard consumers and colleagues under such circumstances.


Principle 8 – Ethical Business Practices
A pharmacist conducts the business of pharmacy in an ethical and professional manner.

Pharmacists are part of a diverse profession where contribution to health care service delivery occurs in many ways
and through a variety of settings. In many cases, the contribution of professional expertise occurs in a health care
setting involving business practices.


A pharmacist must: ›› Examples of ‘pharmacy health care service’ models include (but are
not limited to): operating a hospital pharmacy department; running
8.1 Ensure business practices are
a community pharmacy in a retail environment; or providing
conducted primarily in the best
a consultant pharmacist service through the delivery of Home
interest of the consumer.
Medicines Reviews.
8.2 Consider and recognise when ›› The premises or location from which pharmacy health care services
potential conflicts of interest are delivered to consumers should reflect the professional character
should be declared. and health-related nature of the profession.
›› When considering service or product availability from a pharmacy,
the pharmacist will need to carefully balance issues such as
consumer demand and commercial factors with quality, safety
and efficacy.
›› Vigilance over business practices may be particularly warranted by
pharmacists in community pharmacies due to their existence in the
retail environment where factors such as competitive prices and
volume are key business drivers.
›› Irrespective of the setting or model through which pharmacists
practise, it is important to reiterate that the consumer’s interests
are always paramount while recognising the duality of interest of a
pharmacist who may conduct a pharmacy business in the provision
of a health care service.
›› Parameters which guide any competitive marketing of therapeutic
goods or health care services are: having the best interest of the
consumer (Principle 1); upholding the reputation of the profession
(Principle 3); and respecting colleagues (Principles 7 and 9).
›› A pharmacist must refrain from inappropriate advertising, cognisant
of the fact that pharmacy is a health care profession.
›› Pharmacy Board of Australia. Guidelines for advertising of regulated
health services. 1 July 2010.
›› Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2007 provides that the marketing
and advertising of therapeutic goods to consumers is conducted
in a manner that promotes the quality use of therapeutic goods, is
socially responsible and does not mislead or deceive the consumer.


Principle 9 – Collaboration
A pharmacist works collaboratively with other health professionals to optimise the health outcomes
of consumers.

The provision of care by means of multidisciplinary teams aims to produce synergies and efficiencies through the
contribution of respective health professional skills and expertise. Collaborative care implemented through good
communication and cooperation can deliver enhanced efficiencies and better health outcomes for consumers,
particularly in the context of an increasing demand for and complexity of health care.


A pharmacist must: ›› A pharmacist must ensure no conflict of interest encroaches on
the relationship with any other health care provider (eg. sharing of
9.1 Exercise professional independence
financial gain from a referral or sale of a product or medication).
and judgement and be cognisant
of own scope of professional ›› A pharmacist must at all times refrain from expressing defamatory
practice when providing support or unprofessional complimentary remarks in public about any
and advice to other health consumers, colleagues or other health care providers.
professionals. ›› Working within your own scope of pharmacy practice and
recognising the expertise of others should also facilitate appropriate
9.2 Respect and understand the
referral processes thereby enhancing the multidisciplinary approach
expertise of other health
to optimising health outcomes for consumers.
professionals.

9.3 Consult and work cooperatively
with other health professionals to
achieve expected health outcomes
for the consumer.

9.4 Establish good working
relationships and promote agreed
communication paths with other
health professionals to enable the
delivery of best possible outcomes.

Endorsed by PSA Board September 2011

Scheduled for review September 2016


PSA3307
pharmaceutical Society Branch Contact Details New South Wales South Australia
of Australia Ltd. P: 1300 369 772 82 Christie Street Suite 7/102
ABN 49 008 532 072 F: 1300 369 771 St Leonards NSW 2065 Greenhill Road
PO Box 162 Unley SA 5061
National Office
St Leonards NSW 1590 E: sa.branch@psa.org.au
Pharmacy House Australian
44 Thesiger Court Capital Territory E: nsw.branch@psa.org.au
Tasmania
Deakin ACT 2600 Pharmacy House 161 Campbell Street
Queensland
PO Box 42 44 Thesiger Court Hobart TAS 7000
PACE
Deakin West ACT 2600 Deakin ACT 2600 E: tas.branch@psa.org.au
Level 3, West Wing
P: 02 6283 4777 PO Box 42 20 Cornwall Street
Deakin West ACT 2600 Victoria
F: 02 6285 2869 Dutton Park QLD 4102
E: act.branch@psa.org.au Level 1, 381 Royal Parade
E: psa.nat@psa.org.au PO Box 6120 Parkville VIC 3052
Buranda QLD 4102 E: vic.branch@psa.org.au
www.psa.org.au E: qld.branch@psa.org.au

Code of-ethics-2011

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