code-of-ethics-2011

ensuring healthy and competent professionals; andcontributing to the development of other healthpractitioners.The PBA has indicated that the PSA Code wouldbe implemented as the pharmacy professionspecificcode in addition to the overarching codefor registered health practitioners. The PSA Codewill, most likely, form an appendix to the healthpractitioners’ code. The PBA, in its role of publicprotection, may use or refer to the PSA Code in casesinvolving the conduct or behaviour of pharmacists.Purpose and scope of this CodeThe PSA Code must be read in conjunction withother relevant documents such as: Federal and state/territory legislation; standards, codes and guidelinesissued by the PBA; and guidelines and standardsissued by professional organisations. Nothing in thePSA Code is to be construed as permitting breachof any law, or interpreted in any way which woulddiscourage any pharmacist from complying with anylegal obligation.The PSA Code articulates the values of the pharmacyprofession and expected standards of behaviourof pharmacists to consumers and society. It isdesigned to guide and support professional practiceof all pharmacists. Note that the PBA’s definition of“practice” (adapted below) applies here.To practise as a pharmacist means undertakingany role, whether remunerated or not, in whichthe individual uses their skills and knowledge as apharmacist. Practice is not restricted to the provisionof direct clinical care. It also includes working ina direct nonclinical relationship with consumers;working in management, administration,education, research, advisory, regulatory or policydevelopment roles; and any other roles thatimpact on safe, effective delivery of services in theprofession and/or use their professional skills.Structure and content of this CodeThe PSA Code consists of nine principles coveringfive main areas of focus which are core topharmacists and pharmacy practice. The principlescapture philosophical concepts and form thefoundation of the Code.The Summary of Principles (p. 4) provides anoverview of the entire Code, the nine principlesaligned to areas of focus, and sub-text supportingeach principle. The areas of focus associated withthe principles are intended to promote a betterunderstanding of the context and application ofthe principles to everyday practice. Although theprinciples are numbered and associated with aspecific area of focus, they are of equal importance.Following the Summary of Principles, the mainsection of the document further articulates eachof the principles. A set of more detailed statements(Obligations) outline the standards of professionalbehaviour expected of a pharmacist.Where warranted, the PSA Code will also besupported by separate documents providingadditional detail and which can be updated asrequired. These will be referenced in the Additionalguidance section.Application of this CodeThe principles contained in this Code apply to everypharmacist irrespective of the role, scope, level orlocation of practice. Clearly there will be instanceswhere some principles may not be directly relevantto an individual pharmacist’s usual practice, forexample, where the area of focus is on businesspractices. However, it is expected that all pharmacistswill embrace the underlying tenet of each principleand be responsible for propagating the profession’score values.Intern pharmacists and pharmacy students will beexposed to the PSA Code and learn about various‘codes’ of ethics relevant to their chosen profession.It is expected that intern pharmacists and pharmacystudents comply with the PSA Code during periodsof supervised practice (clinical placements).All non-pharmacist personnel engaged in thepharmacy profession are strongly encouragedto comply with the principles of the PSA Code.Employers are encouraged to include the PSA Codeas part of the employee induction process andregularly promote aspects of the Code. This willenhance rigour and promote confidence inthe profession.Additional guidanceThe PSA will provide additional guidance topharmacists on an ongoing basis to cover specificprinciples, areas of practice or issues as they ariseor are identified. These may be provided as pointsor referenced (if substantial documents) in theAdditional guidance section.Code of Ethics for Pharmacists 2011 I © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.3