Ethics In The Pharmacy Field

Lately there has been concern about ethics among pharmacists. In the past few years, many pharmacists have been caught engaging in unethical and even criminal activities during the course of their employment. For example, some pharmacists take drugs for their own personal use. There have even been cases of pharmacists intentionally spoiling COVID-19 vaccines or giving patients lethal doses of medications.

As professionals who work with medications and are obligated to help patients choose the right drugs for their needs, those who are members of the American Pharmacists Association must abide by a set of ethics. These ethics are based on virtues and morals and are in place to help pharmacists navigate relationships with patients and medical professionals, as well as society as a whole. Here are some of those ethics in more detail.

Respect the Relationship Between the Pharmacist and the Patient

Patients trust pharmacists to help them make the right decisions for their medical conditions. Because pharmacists are given this “gift of trust,” they must use it wisely. This means helping patients find the right medications and dosages for their needs and having a commitment toward their welfare. Pharmacists must do the right things to maintain the trust of their patients.

Respect Patient Autonomy

Patients come to pharmacists for help managing their health concerns. However, patients should also have a role in their own health and pharmacists need to respect that. In fact, they should encourage all patients to act as advocates for their health. Pharmacists should also respect personal and cultural differences.

Act With Integrity

Pharmacists must be honest and act with integrity at all times. They cannot discriminate against patients and they should not commit crimes, whether they are on the clock or off. They must always act with a conscience.

Promote the Good of Patients

Pharmacists must have compassion and empathy for patients. The patients’ well-being must always come first. While they must be caring and compassionate at all times, they must also keep information private. Confidential patient data should never be shared with others.

Maintain Competence

Pharmacists should be competent and knowledgeable, as they work with medications that can impact the health of their patients. As the medical industry advances, pharmacists should stay on top of the new medications and devices that are created.

Serve the Needs of Individuals, Communities and Societies

Pharmacists don’t always just serve individual patients. Sometimes they are called upon to serve their local communities as well. This has been especially relevant in recent months, as doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been made available in communities across the country.

Keep Your License With Help From a Tampa Pharmacist License & Pharmacy Permit Lawyer

Pharmacists have a huge role in society. With so many people suffering from pain, injuries and medical conditions, Americans rely on pharmacists to dispense the appropriate medication.

If you are a pharmacist facing administrative issues or need licensing assistance, Tampa pharmacist license & pharmacy permit lawyer David P. Rankin can help. He has more than 30 years of experience assisting licensed professionals. Schedule a consultation today by calling (813) 968-6633 or filling out the online form.