South African Council for Educators Act, 2000
R 385
Pharmacy Act, 1974 (Act No. 53 of 1974)Board NoticesRules Relating to Good Pharmacy PracticeChapter 3 : Professional Standards for Pharmacy Human Resources3.4 Minimum Standards for Pharmaceutical Human Resource Development |
| 3.4.1 | Standards for continuing professional development of pharmaceutical personnel |
Minimum standards regarding the professional development of pharmacists can be found in the Code of Conduct.
| 3.4.1.1 | Competency |
| (a) | Each pharmacy must have a responsible pharmacist who has appropriate knowledge and experience of the practice of pharmacy and who assumes professional responsibility for the conduct of that pharmacy. |
| (b) | Pharmacists and pharmacy support personnel must receive sufficient education and training to enable them to provide competently the professional services being offered. |
| (c) | Possession of a qualification, either as a pharmacist or pharmacist's assistant, should not automatically be assumed to confer ability on an individual to carry out all functions in a pharmacy. Additional in-service training will often be required in specific/certain areas. |
| (d) | The pharmacist must remain informed (scientifically and legally) and maintain a level of competence sufficient to provide the professional services effectively and efficiently. |
| (e) | Continuing professional development is a professional obligation. |
| (f) | Continuing education and training will include attending courses, symposia, congresses, scientific and professional meetings, participating in distance learning, workplace learning experience and reading scientific journals and reviews. |
| (g) | Professional learning or training activities which are of relevance to pharmacy practice must be recorded so that the pharmacist's portfolio of learning activities is kept up to date on a permanent basis. |
| (h) | A pharmacist must ensure that any services provided, comply with standards and guidelines issued by Council or other appropriate bodies. |
| (i) | A practising pharmacist is the trainer of choice for other pharmacists on professional matters. This does not preclude the use of persons from other professions where their expertise is relevant to the training objective. |
| (j) | A responsible pharmacist has the responsibility to assess the educational needs of all pharmaceutical staff. Training should relate to the work to be undertaken by the individual. |
| (k) | The responsibilities of the pharmacist and the personnel working in a pharmacy must be clearly defined. |
| 3.4.1.2 | Self-assessment (self-audit) |
A pharmacist must continually review his/her level of professional knowledge and expertise by self-assessment, and continuously update his/her knowledge.
| 3.4.1.3 | Legislative changes |
In addition to keeping abreast of pharmaceutical matters, it is the pharmacist's duty to be aware of and implement as soon as possible legislative changes, which affect pharmacy.
| 3.4.1.4 | New services |
The pharmacist who provides a new service must acquire the necessary expertise to provide a competent service to a safe standard, and must ensure that the relevant staff are also competent to perform their duties to a high standard.
| 3.4.1.5 | Other health care professionals |
Pharmacists should play an active role in the education of clinicians, nurses and other health care professionals in all matters relating to the safe and effective use of medicines.
