01. Pharmacy Law, Regulations and Standards PDF

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01. Pharmacy Law, Regulations and Standards | Pharmacy Practice VIIA (Forensic Pharmacy)

Pharmacy Law, Regulations and Standards Pharmacy is Extensively governed by laws and rules or regulations and other requirements, such as pharmacy professional practice standards and ethical principles. Pharmacists are responsible for the delivery of medications and medication or drug therapy-related services in many settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other health care sites where prescription medications are dispensed. Legal requirements, ethical guidelines, and professional practice standards for pharmacy each serve a necessary purpose. They have been developed over many years in order to guide the safe and effective delivery of medications to patients.

Laws and regulations provide governmental oversight of pharmacy practice, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. For instance, in order to practice pharmacy, a pharmacist must have a current valid state pharmacy license for each state in which he or she practices. Similarly, many states now have laws or regulations that require pharmacy technicians to be licensed or registered and meet other requirements, such as specific training and education and criminal history background checks.

In contrast, professional practice standards and ethical principles come from different sources such as professional pharmacy organizations. Practice standards are not laws or regulations. They serve an important role in pharmacy and the practice of other health care professionals

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01. Pharmacy Law, Regulations and Standards | Pharmacy Practice VIIA (Forensic Pharmacy) recommendations for treatment of a patient and provision of pharmacy services and other health care services. These guidelines and principles provide pharmacists with guidance on delivering pharmacy services to patients so that they meet the expectations of their peers. For example, professional practice standards could assist pharmacists with dispensing medications to patients with particular diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Professional practice standards serve as guidelines for pharmacists to use with professional judgment in determining how to act in particular situations. Pharmacy practice standards are usually developed by professional pharmacy organizations through a panel of pharmacists with input from leaders of the profession. Ethical principles work in conjunction with the professional practice standards. In simple terms, ethical principles provide guidance for acting in an ethical manner. For example, ethical principles include important matters such as providing services with honesty and integrity, recognizing patient dignity, and obeying laws and regulations applicable to providing pharmacy services. Ethical principles provide a fundamental framework for interacting with the patient—showing care and compassion and maintaining the proper degree of patient privacy about the patient’s medical conditions, drug treatment, and other private patient information. Code of Ethics: Pharmacy Associations American Pharmaceutical Association Code of Ethics for Pharmacists (APhA) (Endorsed by the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists) Pharmacists are health professionals who assist individuals in making the best use of medications. This Code, prepared and supported by pharmacists, is intended to state publicly the principles that form the fundamental basis of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists. These principles, based on moral obligations and virtues, are established to guide pharmacists in relationships with patients, health professionals, and society. I. A pharmacist respects the covenantal relationship between the patient and pharmacist. Considering the patient–pharmacist relationship as a covenant means that a pharmacist has moral obligations in response to the gift of trust received from society. In return for this gift, a pharmacist promises to help individuals achieve optimum benefit from their medications, to be committed to their welfare, and to maintain their trust. II. A pharmacist promotes the good of every patient in a caring, compassionate, and confidential manner. A pharmacist places concern for the well-being of the patient at the center of professional practice. In doing so, a pharmacist considers needs stated by the patient

01. Pharmacy Law, Regulations and Standards | Pharmacy Practice VIIA (Forensic Pharmacy) as well as those defined by health science. A pharmacist is dedicated to protecting the dignity of the patient. With a caring attitude and a compassionate spirit, a pharmacist focuses on serving the patient in a private and confidential manner. III. A pharmacist respects the autonomy and dignity of each patient. A pharmacist promotes the right of self-determination and recognizes individual self-worth by encouraging patients to participate in decisions about their health. A pharmacist communicates with patients in terms that are understandable. In all cases, a pharmacist respects personal and cultural differences among patients. Chapter 1 • U.S. Legal and Regulatory System 13 IV. A pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity in professional relationships. A pharmacist has a duty to tell the truth and to act with conviction of conscience. A pharmacist avoids discriminatory practices, behavior, or work conditions that impair professional judgment, and actions that compromise dedication to the best interests of patients. V.A pharmacist maintains professional competence. A pharmacist has a duty to maintain knowledge and abilities as new medications, devices, and technologies become available and as health information advances. VI. A pharmacist respects the values and abilities of colleagues and other health professionals. When appropriate, a pharmacist asks for the consultation of colleagues or other health professionals or refers the patient. A pharmacist acknowledges that colleagues and other health professionals may differ in the beliefs and values they apply to the care of the patient. VII. A pharmacist serves individual, community, and societal needs. The primary obligation of a pharmacist is to individual patients. However, the obligations of a pharmacist may at times extend beyond the individual to the community and society. In these situations, the pharmacist recognizes the responsibilities that accompany these obligations and acts accordingly. VIII. A pharmacist seeks justice in the distribution of health resources. When health resources are allocated, a pharmacist is fair and equitable, balancing the needs of patients and society....