Guidance for Pharmacists

This section provides guidance for pharmacists on their professional conduct, which aims to assure high standards of patient care. Guidance is also provided to support pharmacists in applying particular legislation, which may not necessarily be encompassed by the PSI's primary remit or functions, but which is directly applicable to pharmacy practice.

Use of Digital and Social Media

• Guidance for Pharmacists on the use of Digital and Social Media (Version 2, October 2019)

This guidance is intended to make pharmacists aware of their responsibilities to ensure that their online activity is consistent with their professional role.

Superintendent and Supervising Pharmacists

The Pharmacy Act 2007 established the role of the superintendent and supervising pharmacist, each with particular roles and responsibilities in pharmacy. Further information on these two roles, can be found through the links below. 

• Superintendent Pharmacists
• Supervising Pharmacists

Internet Supply

• Guidance on Internet Supply of Non-Prescription Medicines

Data Protection

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force on 25 May 2018, enhances the rights of individuals in relation to the protection of their personal data and places greater responsibilities on organisations/businesses about how they treat personal data. The PSI previously made available Guidance on Data Protection for Pharmacists, but this is no longer relevant under national legislation and GDPR, and it has been removed from this website. The guidance should also be removed from the Pharmacy Practice Guidance folder in pharmacies.

The Data Protection Commission is responsible for upholding the rights of individuals as set out in the legislation. If you have any queries about GDPR you should consult the resources available on the Data Protection Commission’s website, on GDPRandYou, or contact the office of the Commission. As an organisation, the PSI has been preparing for GDPR and how we handle data, however, we are not in a position to provide other organisations or businesses with advice on this matter, and the PSI does not have a role in monitoring compliance with it.  Given the sensitivity of health-related information, it is imperative that healthcare professionals and providers are clear about their use of personal data and how confidentiality of patients’ information is maintained. It is for each pharmacy to assess the data it holds, and to consider the steps that need to be taken in order to comply with data protection principles in the provision of care and in transacting business.