Responsible pharmacist

Question 1

How long must the pharmacy record be retained for?

Answer 1

5 years

Question 2

What should be included in the pharmacy record?

Answer 2

RP’s name

RP’s registration number.

Date and time in which the pharmacist became the RP

Date and time in which the pharmacist stopped being the RP.

Any absences should be recorded (including time left, date of absence, and time returning)

Question 3

What information must the RP notice display?

Answer 3

Name of RP

State they are the RP in charge of the pharmacy at the time.

Their GPhC registration number.

Question 4

When is it recommended a SOP should be reviewed?

Answer 4

If anything changes/incident or once every 2 years by RP

Question 5

How long can the RP be absent for?

Answer 5

2 hours within the pharmacy business hours.

Question 6

If there is more than one RP during the pharmacy business hours, how does this affect time allowed for the RP to be absent?

Answer 6

Still only 2 hours maximum between the 2 RPs.

Question 7

Conditions to be met for the RP to be absent?

Answer 7

Pharmacy must be able to run safe and effectively

Must be contactable and be able to return promptly or provide contact details for an alternative pharmacist if not.

Question 8

What activities can be done without the presence of the RP on the premises but require supervision of a pharmacist?

Answer 8

Accuracy checking (e.g., technician)

Labelling of container of medicine

Printing a label

Taking medicines off the dispensary shelves

Assembly of item e.g., counting tablets

Question 9

What activities can be done without the presence of the RP on the premises and do not require supervision by a pharmacist?

Answer 9

• Sale of GSL medicines
• Receipt of medicine waste/disposing of medicines

Question 10

What activities can be done without the presence of the RP on the premises, but require the staff member to be suitably trained?

Answer 10

Receipt of medicines from wholesaler into building

Ordering stock from wholesalers

Putting medicinal stock received from the wholesaler onto the shelves.

Date checking

Stocking pharmacy with consumables

Cleaning of pharmacy

Responding to enquiries

Accessing the PMR

Receiving prescriptions directly from EPS systems or collecting from surgery

Processing of prescription forms that have been dispensed

Delivery person conveying medicines to a patient

Receiving patient returned medicines.

Question 11

Which activities REQUIRE the RP to be present?

Answer 11

Professional check

Sale/supply of P meds

Sale/supply of POMs

PGD

Wholesale of medicines

Emergency supply of medicines