Criminal Prosecutions

(Applies to Full and Standard Members)

Historically, pharmacists may have been prosecuted for offences against the 1968 Medicines Act, the 1954 Pharmacy Act and the Misuse of Drugs Act. In recent years, however, the Crown Prosecution Service has considered manslaughter charges for errors causing death.

Consider this

Allegations of criminal conduct are becoming an increasing problem for pharmacists, as authorities move to progressively tighten up on enforcement and employers/contractors seek ever greater control over their businesses and employees/locums. There is also an increasing tendency to invoke the criminal law and impose criminal sanction for acts which 10 or 20 years ago would have attracted (at most) a civil penalty.

Little experience

Pharmacists generally have little or no experience of being under investigation, do not know their legal rights and are easily intimidated by such situations. Finding yourself the focus of investigations which have professional or criminal implications can therefore be a frightening and daunting experience, to the extent that (in the hope of bringing matters to a swift conclusion) you may be tempted to make statements and do things that you later regret and which you certainly would be legally advised not to do.

What should you do when faced with the possibility of criminal prosecution?

Try to be aware of the dangers that the increasingly litigation-prone world and increasing statutory requirements in the practice of your profession make you ever more prone to.

As a pharmacist you MUST realise that you need to defend your position from the outset, no matter how uncomfortable that may temporarily be. Specialist advice and representation is essential from the very moment that it becomes clear allegations may be made against you. You must seek out, demand and obtain professional advice and assistance as early as possible in any situation where you are accused of criminal or contractual wrongdoing, negligence, etc., of any kind. Resist the temptation to deal with matters yourself in the hope of ‘nipping it in the bud' – as it rarely works.

If you are faced with the unfortunate situation where you may be wrongly accused of an unlawful act defend yourself.

DEFEND YOURSELF:

If you are facing an investigation that could lead to a prosecution, then contact the PDA on 0121 694 7007. We will:

• Give you independent advice
• Give you practical support by providing you with an experienced mentor to assist you in any proceedings that may be instigated
• Refer you to legal experts where appropriate and if necessary.

Remember, as a member, you are covered for up to £500,000 in defence of any prosecution arising from pharmacist's duties or for any civil proceedings brought under the Race Relations, Sex Discrimination or Data Protection Act.