The regulation of the pharmacy profession throughout Australian jurisdictions

Abstract

Introduction and objectives Regulation of the pharmacy profession is the principle means of ensuring public trust and confidence in the services provided by pharmacists. State and territory legislation provides for the regulation of the profession throughout Australia by pharmacy registering authorities. Although there are similarities between the legislative provisions and the powers of the individual authorities, several of the regulatory requirements vary. These differences directly impact on the way pharmacy is practised in the various jurisdictions and on the risk management procedures that need to be implemented and followed by pharmacists. The purpose of the research was to describe and critique the legislative requirements of the various pharmacy registering authorities and examine the potential impact of these regulatory differences. Method A questionnaire was sent to all eight pharmacy registering authorities in Australian states and territories during September 2006 via the Council of Pharmacy Registering Authorities (COPRA). Returned questionnaires were analysed and further information was obtained through searching the authorities' websites. Follow-up interviews were also conducted with representatives to clarify certain issues. Results The information was grouped into four main regulatory categories, namely: 剐rofessional misconduct; 剐ractice standards, policies and guidelines; 剐harmacist and pre-registration pharmacist training and registration requirements; and 剐harmacy premises and equipment requirements. The results indicate that pharmacy registering authorities operate under a diverse set of legislation. In addition, there is a significant variation between the everyday functioning and roles of the authorities in the various jurisdictions. These differences influence the extent to which the authorities influence and regulate the practice of pharmacy. Various differences between pre-registration programmes and the assessment of pre-registration pharmacists were identified. Initial and ongoing registration requirements of pharmacists also differed throughout Australia. Discussion The regulation of health professionals has traditionally been at state and territory level. As states and territories differ with regard to certain health priorities there is a need to develop specific services and local practice protocols. However, the diverse set of pharmacy legislation and the difference in practice requirements throughout jurisdictions directly impact on the risk management procedures implemented by pharmacists. Also, it places an additional burden on pharmacists who want to practise in more than one jurisdiction. Many of the identified differences and inconsistencies will require examination in light of the recent Council of Australian Governments (COAG) recommendations to introduce one national registration scheme for health professionals mid-2008. It is thus timely for a review of the overall regulation of the profession throughout Australia.