Regulation

‘Disappointing’ new online pharmacy rules do ‘not go far enough’ warns PDA

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has warned that newly updated online pharmacy rules “could still introduce significant risk”, after representatives for the largest pharmacies said that no additional regulations were needed.

PSNI moots plans to scrap ‘historic’ automatic overseas recognition

The Northern Irish (NI) pharmacy regulator has proposed removing the “blanket” recognition currently on offer to pharmacists from “a number of countries” wishing to register with it, alongside plans to update its online pharmacy standards.

New online pharmacy regs ‘effective immediately’ amid weight loss risks

Online pharmacies “cannot” prescribe based on online questionnaires alone and must “independently verify” patients’ weight and height before prescribing weight loss drugs, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has announced.

‘Out of touch’: Sector urges GPhC to reconsider fee hike plans

The pharmacy sector has urged the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to reconsider its plans to hike annual registration fees two years in a row amid severe “financial pressures”.

IN FULL: GPhC proposes two-year 6% fee hike amid ‘rising costs’

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has launched a consultation on two years of proposed hikes to annual registration fees for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy owners.

Trainee pharmacist fined after ‘antisemitic’ social media post

A trainee pharmacist has been fined more than £1,000 after pleading guilty to posting a “grossly offensive” and “hateful antisemitic” message on social media.

Draft GPhC rules ‘leave door open’ for unsafe weight loss scripts

Independent pharmacy leaders have warned that draft GPhC guidance allows patients to “inappropriately access weight loss injections”, while representatives for the largest pharmacies have said that no additional regulations are needed.

NHSBSA may ‘withhold’ payments amid Pharmacy First claims probe

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) has warned that it will investigate Pharmacy First claims, with payments only made to pharmacy owners whose claims are found to be “lawful”.

Weight loss jabs linked to ‘reduced risk’ of Alzheimer’s and dementia

The use of weight loss drugs has been associated with a “reduced risk of substance use” and “neurocognitive disorders” including Alzheimer’s and dementia – along with a handful of other illnesses – a new study has revealed.

GPhC warns professor for asking student to ‘view a film together’

An assistant professor has been warned for “entirely inappropriate” conduct, including instant messaging a student exam marks early and asking them to watch a movie with him.