Code of Conduct- Professional Principles, Standards and Ethics for Pharmacists

The Code of Conduct is a public declaration of the principles and ethical standards which govern pharmacists in the practice of their profession, and which the public, patients, other healthcare professionals and society require and expect from pharmacists. The Code of Conduct was revised and updated in 2019. The updated Code acknowledges the changes that have taken place in the delivery of healthcare in recent years, the evolving role of pharmacists and the exercise of professional judgement by pharmacists in the fulfilment of their professional responsibilities to patients and the public. The updated Code applies to all pharmacists and is distinctly patient-centred, focussing on ensuring that all pharmacists practise in a way that maintains and improves the health, wellbeing, care and safety of patients. The revised seven-principle Code is intended to support pharmacists working in modern Ireland and has taken into account changes in Irish healthcare legislation and our society.

The new Code was launched on 25 September 2019 to coincide with World Pharmacists Day and came into effect on 21 October 2019.

Read the Code of Conduct- Professional Principles, Standards and Ethics for Pharmacists

Press release: launch of the Code of Conduct, 25 September 2019

Seven Principles in the Code

Expand all

Put the Patient First
Always put the patient first and make their health, wellbeing and safety your primary focus. Make sure patients’ needs are recognised, assessed and responded to and that their dignity is preserved and their values respected. Decision making must be evidence based. When supplying products or services without a comprehensive evidence base you should be satisfied that the needs of the patient are best met by the approach taken. Apply your knowledge and skills to ensure the patient receives safe and effective care. Recognise that your decisions and behaviour as a pharmacist can influence patient care even if you do not work in direct contact with the patient.
Additional Information
- PSI Patient Charter-You and Your Pharmacist
- PSI Pharmacy Practice Guidance
- National Patient Safety Office, Department of Health
- Tusla, Child and Family Agency
Act Professionally
Uphold the reputation of the profession by acting with honesty, probity and integrity, as patients expect to be able to trust that you act in their best interests at all times. Work continuously to promote a culture of respect, trust and a focus on the individual person to ensure the patient receives person-centred care. Make sure that your conduct at all times, both inside and outside your work environment, ensures public trust and confidence in the pharmacy profession.
Additional Information
- PSI Pharmacy Practice Guidance
- PIER (Pharmacists in Industry, Education and Regulatory)
Communicate Effectively
Communicate effectively so that patients receive safe and appropriate care. Ask relevant questions, listen carefully and respect confidentiality. Welcome questions from patients and respond to them in an open, accurate and honest way. Communicate in a manner that enables patients to make decisions that are informed and right for them.
Additional Information
- PSI Pharmacy Practice Guidance
- NALA (National Adult Literacy Agency)-Plain English Service
Work With Others
Work in partnership with patients and members of all healthcare disciplines to ensure that the patient receives safe and effective care. Build effective working relationships with patients, colleagues and other healthcare professionals in order to deliver person-centred care. Collaborate with your colleagues and other healthcare professionals to build confidence, respect and understanding. Work with the patient, family, carers and/or named representative to enable them to make evidence-based healthcare decisions that are consistent with their needs, values and preferences.
Additional Information
- PSI Pharmacy Practice Guidance
- Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015
Show Leadership
Lead by example and help promote and maintain the delivery of continuously improving, high-quality and compassionate healthcare. Demonstrate leadership to the people you work with and to others, in whatever role you perform as a pharmacist. Promote the health and wellbeing of patients, by acting as a leader in the safe and effective use of medicines and healthcare resources. Promote and strengthen a culture of quality and safety, acting as a role model for the safe supply of medicines. Lead colleagues in supporting local and national public health initiatives.
Additional Information
- PSI Pharmacy Practice Guidance
Maintain Competence
Maintain and improve your knowledge, skills and competence throughout your professional career in order to safely deliver and continually improve patient care. Undertake appropriate learning and development activities to maintain and develop your competence and your professional performance. Keep your professional knowledge and skills up to date over the course of your career, to reflect the changing nature of healthcare and the roles carried out by pharmacists. Apply this knowledge and skill in decision making to ensure safe and effective care for the patient.
Additional Information
- Continuing Professional Development
- Training for Pharmacists for the Supply and Administration of Emergency Medicines and Vaccinations
- IIOP (Irish Institute of Pharmacy)
Be Open and Honest
Promote patient safety through open and honest communication with patients, colleagues and other healthcare professionals. Raise any concerns you may have about patient safety or other safety issues. Be honest when something goes wrong and learn from these incidents. Challenge poor practices and behaviours to improve existing pharmacy practice and always act to foster a culture of patient safety.
Additional Information
- Information on open disclosure, HSE

Useful Resources for Pharmacists

Ethical Decision Making Tool
Ethical dilemmas
Code of Conduct launch video
Video introducing the Code of Conduct
Information events on the updated Code of Conduct

Click on below links for more information

Expand all

Review of the Code of Conduct
The review of the Code of Conduct for Pharmacists commenced in 2017 and was undertaken to ensure it continues to reflect the current environment, the evolving role of pharmacists and a changing health service. This review involved a substantial process of research and engagement with pharmacists, stakeholders and the public. As part of the review, we invited a wide range of feedback on the Code to help us consider any changes that might be needed in a revised Code. Following consultation, and engagement with relevant experts, the Code of Conduct- Professional Principles, Standards and Ethics for Pharmacists was developed. The Code of Conduct (2009) was in place until 20 October 2019. The Code of Conduct- Professional Principles, Standards and Ethics for Pharmacists (2019) came into effect on 21 October 2019.
- View a summary of the public consultation carried out in August 2018.