What's Happening?
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has announced that new supervision changes will take effect on January 7, 2026, allowing pharmacists to authorize pharmacy technicians to handle checked and bagged prescriptions. This change is part of the Human
Medicines (Authorisation by Pharmacists and Supervision by Pharmacy Technicians) Order 2025, which has been approved by Parliament and the Privy Council. The legislation aims to enable pharmacists to focus more on patient-facing clinical services while allowing pharmacy technicians to maximize their skills in pharmaceutical care. The changes will also permit pharmacy technicians to take primary responsibility for preparing medicinal products in hospital aseptic facilities.
Why It's Important?
These changes represent a significant shift in the roles and responsibilities within the pharmacy sector, potentially improving efficiency and patient care. By allowing pharmacy technicians to take on more responsibilities, pharmacists can dedicate more time to clinical services, which could enhance patient outcomes. The transition also reflects a broader trend towards optimizing healthcare roles to better utilize professional skills. However, the changes require careful implementation to ensure patient safety and maintain high standards of care. The involvement of professional bodies in developing standards and guidance will be crucial in this process.
What's Next?
The GPhC plans to conduct a public consultation on draft standards for Superintendent Pharmacists and Responsible Pharmacists, which will support the new legislation. These standards will clarify the governance arrangements and responsibilities of pharmacists and technicians. The consultation will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the final standards, ensuring they are comprehensive and effective. The GPhC aims to publish the new standards before the full implementation of the changes in December 2026. Pharmacy owners will need to establish robust procedures to comply with the new regulations and ensure patient safety.
