Do pharmacists have to follow a code of ethics?
Pharmacists do have to follow a code of ethics produced by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The code highlights fundamental duties of all pharmacists and a number of principles on which the code is based. The code highlights the pharmacists primary concern should be the welfare of their patient in addition to acting in an appropriate and professional manner at all times. As with many other health professions, the pharmacist must respect the confidentiality of any information in the course of professional practice, never disclosing information to others without the patient’s consent. If a pharmacist breaches the code of ethics, they could have their name removed from the society’s register and subsequently be unable to practice.
