Introduction to Pharmacy Law & Ethics

(Phar 4173)
Ch 5. Ethical Codes and

Ch 6. Standards of Practice for Pharmacists Practicing

In Ethiopia
Instructor’s Name: Berhanemeskel W/Gerima
Email: aberhaneth@gmail.com
Cell Phone: +251912024213

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 5. Ethical Codes
5.1. Background

5.2. FIP standards of ethical practices

5.3. Code of ethics for pharmacists practicing in Ethiopia

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 5.1. Background

Ethical codes are

 Ethical guidelines for members of a profession.
 Codes provide more comprehensive standards to guide the practicing health
practitioner, patient, or other decision maker

Role and Purpose of the Code of Ethics

– to clearly articulate the ethical principles and standards which guide the
practice of pharmacists in fulfilling the Pharmacy profession
association’s mandate to serve and protect the public by putting
patients first.

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 5.1. Background

 Code of ethics for a profession provide more guidance for the

practitioner.
 However, no code of ethics can contain
 all the necessary detail to address all issues that arise on a daily basis.
 Rather, it is to be seen as a somewhat sweeping statement on
 the overall ethical mandate of a profession.
 In this sense, it makes a public statement concerning a collective
commitment to certain
 Values,
 Principles, and
 Duties.
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 5.1. Background

Specifically, Code of Ethics supports the professional association in fulfilling its

mandate by:

 Clearly articulating the ethical principles and standards by which pharmacists

are guided and under which they are accountable

 Serving as a resource for education, self-evaluation and peer review

 Serving as an educational resource for the public outlining the ethical

obligations of the profession

 Providing a benchmark for monitoring and addressing the conduct of

pharmacists.

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 5.1. Background

Who does the Code of Ethics Apply to?

 Applies to all members of the professional association, in accordance with their scope
of practice, including registered pharmacists, pharmacy students, interns and
pharmacy technicians.
 Also relevant to all those who aspire to be members of the College.
 Applicable in all pharmacy
 pharmacy practice,
 pharmacy education and
 pharmacy research environments
>> including non-traditional practice settings which may not involve a healthcare
professional/patient relationship.

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 5.1. Background
Compliance with the Code of Ethics
 The association holds members
 accountable for adhering to the Code of Ethics and
 will inquire into allegations of a breach of the Code of Ethics and
 take appropriate action(s) in relation to the severity of the breach.
 The Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and all relevant legislation,
policies and guidelines are
 companion documents and
 none of these should be read or applied in isolation of the other(s).
 It is not unusual for there to be duplication within these documents
 as requirements may be both ethical and legal.

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 5.2. FIP Standards of Ethical Practices
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
• Is the global body representing pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences,
– founded in 1912.
– Through our 139 national organizations, academic institutional members and individual
members,
– Represent over three million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists around the world.
• FIP is a non-governmental organization that has been in official relations with
the World Health Organization since 1948.
• FIP work to support the development of the pharmacy profession, through
practice and emerging scientific innovations, in order to meet the world’s health
care needs and expectations.

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 5.2. FIP Standards of Ethical Practices

• FIP Statement of Professional Standards – Code of ethics for pharmacists. FIP,

2014
• Oath / Promise of a Pharmacist
FIP Reference Document Pharmacist Ethics and Professional Autonomy:
Imperatives for Keeping Pharmacy Aligned with the Public Interest. FIP, 2014.
• The Tokyo Declaration (1993) Standards for quality of pharmacy services (FIP
Guidelines for Good Pharmacy Practice, September 1993) and revised version
FIP/WHO GPP (1997, Vancouver)
• FIP Statement of Professional Standards on the Role of the Pharmacist in
Encouraging Adherence to Long-Term Treatments (Sydney 2003)
• FIP Statement of Professional Standards on Continuing Professional Development
(2002, Nice)
• FIP Statement of Policy on Counterfeit Medicines (2003, Sydney)
• FIP Centennial Declaration (2012, Amsterdam)
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5.2. FIP Standards of Ethical Practices

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 5. Ethical codes
5.3. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists
• Pharmacists are health professionals who assist individuals in
making the best use of medications.
• Code, prepared and supported by pharmacists, is intended to state
publicly the principles that form the fundamental basis of the roles
and responsibilities of pharmacists.
• These principles, based on moral obligations and virtues, are
established to guide pharmacists in relationships with patients,
health professionals, and society.

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 5.3. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

• The Code contains important standards for practitioner behaviour

in relation to:
• providing good care, including shared decision making
• working with patients or clients
• working with other practitioners
• working within the health care system
• minimizing risk
• maintaining professional performance
• professional behavior and ethical conduct
• ensuring practitioner health
• teaching, supervising and assessing.

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 5.3. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists
Pharmacists are health professionals who assist individuals in
making the best use of medications.

This Code, prepared and supported by pharmacists, is intended

to state publicly the principles that form the fundamental basis of
the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists.

 These principles, based on moral obligations and virtues, are

established to guide pharmacists in relationships with patients,
health professionals, and society.

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 5.3. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

I. A pharmacist respects the covenantal relationship

between the patient and pharmacist
• means that a pharmacist has moral obligations in response
to the gift of trust received from society.
• In return for this gift, a pharmacist promises to help
individuals achieve optimum benefit from their medications,
to be committed to their welfare, and to maintain their
trust.

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 5.3. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists
II. A pharmacist promotes the good of every patient in
a caring, compassionate, and confidential manner
• A pharmacist places concern for the well being of the patient at the
center of professional practice.
• In doing so, a pharmacist considers needs stated by the patient as
well as those defined by health science.
– A pharmacist is dedicated to protecting the dignity of the patient.
– With a caring attitude and a compassionate spirit, a pharmacist focuses on
serving the patient in a private and confidential manner.

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 5.3. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

III. A pharmacist respects the autonomy and dignity of

each patient
• A pharmacist promotes the right of self-determination and recognizes
individual self-worth by encouraging patients to participate in
decisions about their health.
• A pharmacist communicates with patients in terms that are
understandable.
• In all cases, a pharmacist respects personal and cultural differences
among patients.

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 5.3. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists
IV. A pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity in
professional relationships
• A pharmacist has a duty to tell the truth and to act with conviction
of conscience.
• A pharmacist avoids discriminatory practices, behavior or work
conditions that impair professional judgment, and actions that
compromise dedication to the best interests of patients.

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 5.3. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

V. A pharmacist maintains professional competence

• A pharmacist has a duty to maintain knowledge and
abilities as new medications, devices, and technologies
become available and as health information advances.

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 5.3. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

VI. A pharmacist respects the values and abilities of

colleagues and other health professionals
• When appropriate, a pharmacist asks for the consultation of
colleagues or other health professionals or refers the patient.
• A pharmacist acknowledges that colleagues and other health
professionals may differ in the beliefs and values they apply to the
care of the patient.

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 5.3. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

VII. A pharmacist serves individual, community, and

societal needs
• The primary obligation of a pharmacist is to individual patients.
• However, the obligations of a pharmacist may at times extend
beyond the individual to the community and society.
• In these situations, the pharmacist recognizes the responsibilities
that accompany these obligations and acts accordingly.

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 5.3. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

VIII. A pharmacist seeks justice in the distribution of

health resources
• When health resources are allocated, a pharmacist is fair and
equitable, balancing the needs of patients and society.

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 6. Standards of practice for pharmacists practicing in
Ethiopia
Read the in the following Documents
1. Code of Ethics and Standards Prepared by Ethiopian
Pharmaceutical Association

2. Health Professionals Scope of Practice Directive in Ethiopia

prepared by EFMHACA. July 14 /2014.

3. Joint FIP/Who guidelines on good Pharmacy Practice:

standards For quality of Pharmacy services

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