Pharmacist Numbers Up 2.6%

With more than 637,218 health practitioners registered to practise in Australia at the end of June this year, 29,014 are practising pharmacists, up 2.6% from the previous year, according to data published in the annual report from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). 

The report stated that for the pharmacy profession there were 246 notifications (concerns/complaints) received about practitioners - excluding NSW where there is a co-regulatory system.  Of 323 notifications closed in the period, no further action was warranted in 147 cases, conditions were imposed on practitioners’ registration in 43 cases and cautions issued in 106 cases.  Tribunals, on referral of matters from the Board, determined that a pharmacist’s registration be suspended or cancelled in six cases.

Registration standards were revised during the year. guidelines were updated and the Pharmacy Board of Australia engaged with stakeholders around opportunities for pharmacists to administer vaccines to the public.  Pharmacy Board of Australia chair William Kelly said public assurance and proportionate regulation remained the Board’s focus. “We strive to continually improve patient safety and the quality of pharmacists’ regulation,” he said.

A report presenting the data specific to pharmacy practice will be published on the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s website before the end of the calendar year. 

Kelly also acknowledged Adjunct Associate Professor Stephen Marty, the inaugural chair of the Board until 30 Aug 2015, for assisting the Board in meeting its objectives and responsibilities in 2014/15.

Source: pharmacydaily.com.au, Monday 9 November 2015