The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has recently published updated guidance for registered pharmacies providing services remotely. This guidance, issued in February 2025, underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of patient care while addressing the unique challenges associated with distance pharmacy services. In this blog post, we’ll break down the key elements of the guidance and explore what it means for pharmacies, pharmacists, and patients.
Why Is This Guidance Important?
With the rise of online pharmacies and remote healthcare services, the need for clear regulations has become paramount. Distance pharmacy services offer convenience and accessibility, but they also bring risks such as the potential for improper medication use, data breaches, and reduced patient engagement. The GPhC’s updated guidance aims to mitigate these risks by ensuring that registered pharmacies uphold their responsibilities, even when services are delivered remotely.
Key Highlights of the Guidance
Here are the primary aspects covered in the GPhC’s guidance:
1. Patient Safety and Care
Pharmacies must prioritize patient safety in all aspects of their operations. This includes ensuring that:
- For higher-risk medicines, the prescriber now cannot base prescribing decisions on the information provided in a questionnaire alone. Instead, the prescriber has to independently verify the information the person provides.
- Patients receive adequate information to use their medicines safely.
- Pharmacists are available to provide advice and address concerns.
2. Verification of Patient Identity
Pharmacies providing distance services must have robust systems to verify the identity of patients. This helps prevent fraudulent activities and ensures that medications are supplied to the correct individuals.
3. Safeguarding and Vulnerable Patients
Pharmacies must take extra care when serving vulnerable patients. This includes:
- Identifying and supporting patients who may be at risk.
- Taking appropriate steps to ensure their safety and access to care.
4. Prescription Legaility
Pharmacies are required to verify the validity and authenticity of prescriptions before dispensing medications. This step is crucial in combating the misuse of online platforms for obtaining prescription medicines.
The guidance goes on to highlight that online pharmacies need to follow the law and guidance on the advertising and promotion of medicines.
5. Data Protection and Privacy
With sensitive patient information being handled electronically, pharmacies must adhere to data protection laws and ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place.
6. Transparency in Operations
Pharmacies must provide clear and accessible information about their services, including:
- Contact details.
- The process for raising concerns or complaints.
- The identity of the superintendent pharmacist or pharmacy owner.
What Does This Mean for Pharmacies?
Registered pharmacies providing distance services must review their policies and processes to ensure compliance with the GPhC’s updated guidance. Key steps include:
- Training staff on the new requirements.
- Implementing secure systems for patient identity verification and data protection.
- Regularly reviewing practices to identify and mitigate risks.
Final Thoughts
The GPhC’s updated guidance on distance pharmacy services is a significant step toward ensuring the safe and effective delivery of pharmacy services in an increasingly digital world. By prioritizing patient safety, data protection, and operational transparency, the guidance sets a robust framework for the future of remote pharmacy care. However, implementing these changes is often costly and difficult to achieve.
If you would like more information about how to achieve these new standards, get in contact with our distance-selling pharmacy consultant here.
