The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) indicated that its inspectors might conduct random “assurance visits” if they are already “in the area”.
It is reported that a GPhC Professional Standards Inspector said that making “assurance calls” allows the GPhC “to touch base with a lot more people”. They also said that these check-up calls could progress into visits, explaining that “if we happen to be in an area, we may turn that into a visit”.
GPhC Visits and Inspections
If such an “assurance visit” does result in a formal GPhC visit or inspection, inspectors will gather and record evidence in a number of ways, including:
- Looking at written or documentary evidence
- Observing interactions with patients
- Asking questions and posing scenarios to staff
- Testing systems, processes and procedures
There are now two potential outcomes; standards met or standards not all met.
All of the standards will need to be met for a pharmacy to receive a ‘standards met’ outcome, and any pharmacy not meeting all of the standards will need to complete an improvement action plan, as before. The improvement action plan will be published alongside the report on the new inspections website.
The GPhC have a number of different enforcement options available to it “to secure compliance with” its standards. These range from improvement action plans to statutory enforcement powers, including improvement notices and conditions on registered pharmacy premises.
GPhC ad-hoc “assurance visits” – is your pharmacy ready?
Whether your pharmacy is facing an inspection by the General Pharmaceutical Council, working on a GPhC improvement plan, looking to proactively address regulatory issues or concerns and/or part of your businesses due diligence, mock inspections can hold important benefits.
Kings View Resolutions offer a range of legal and compliance services to pharmacists and pharmacies:
- Regulatory Compliance
- Internal Training
- Conducting Internal Investigations
- Preparing for Independent Investigations & Reviews
- Mock Inspections
- Whistleblowing Services
- Crisis Management
As leaders in our field, we are set up and able to deal with the most complex cases with sensitivity and in a timely manner, always open and transparent about our fees and charges. If your business is facing regulatory issues or you are not sure and require advice and support, speak to one of our legal consultants today.
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Disclaimer: This article is for guidance purposes only. Kings View Chambers accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any action taken, or not taken, in relation to this article. You should seek the appropriate legal advice having regard to your own particular circumstances.
