Supervising Pharmacist Requirements

Pharmacy Council requirements for supervising pharmacists

From time-to-time and for a number of reasons, pharmacists may be asked to supervise other pharmacists. Supervision is defined as the monitoring of, and reporting on, the performance of a pharmacist. The pharmacist under supervision carries out all the duties expected of a pharmacist in the practice environment, as described in the scope of practice. The standard expected is set out in the competence standards.

After an initial period of direct supervision, the level of supervision should be agreed by both pharmacists, and at a level that ensures safe practice, whilst allowing the pharmacist to gain experience in all relevant aspects of practice. The level of supervision can be further reviewed and modified, on an as-required basis.

When the pharmacist is no longer practising under direct supervision, the pharmacist must have their own professional indemnity insurance.

The following requirements apply to pharmacists who are supervising:

Pharmacists returning to practise under categories 2-5 of the Return to Practice policy.
Pharmacists registering in New Zealand through the Recognised Equivalent Qualification Route.
Pharmacists registering in New Zealand under Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement.
Any other pharmacists required to work under supervision by the Pharmacy Council.

NOTE: A separate policy applies to preceptors for intern pharmacists.

All supervising pharmacists must meet the following requirements:

Have a minimum of three years post-registration experience in pharmacy. In the case of a pharmacist who was first registered in another country, at least one year of that experience must be sub sequent to registration in New Zealand.
Hold a current annual practising certificate without conditions, or any voluntary undertaking.
Not be under review for competence, health or conduct unless approved by Council or a delegated Committee
Not have been found guilty of a charge brought under a disciplinary action within the preceding five years.
Not been the subject of a major complaint upheld by the Pharmacy Council within the preceding five years.
Not been the subject of a series (three or more) of minor complaints within the preceding five years.
Not be, or been, under investigation by another statutory organisation within the preceding five years, such as the Health and Disability Commissioner, the Director of Proceedings, the Ministry of Health, or the Police.
Be actively undertaking Continuing Professional Development.

If the situation changes, such that during the period of supervision the supervising pharmacist is no longer meeting the above criteria, their eligibility to continue in that capacity will be reviewed. On a case-by-case basis, and where it is considered to be in the interest of public safety, the Registrar may order that the supervising pharmacist is no longer eligible to continue in a supervisory role.