FAQ: I am not working in a pharmacy, am I considered practising?

Question: My current line of work does not involve any contact with patients, the public or BPharm students. Am I right in assuming that I am then a non-practising pharmacist and declare myself as such?

Answer: Not necessarily. All pharmacists practising one or more acts pertaining to the scope of practice of a pharmacist must declare themselves as practising and must, therefore, comply with all the CPD requirements.

Pharmacy practice is not restricted to the provision of direct clinical care. It also includes working in a direct non-clinical relationship with clients; working in management, administration, education, research, advisory, regulatory or policy development roles; and any other roles that impact the safe, effective delivery of services in the profession. You can acquire CPD activities outside of a working environment, through face-to-face interaction with colleagues at a seminar, workshop or conference speaking about issues related to the pharmacy profession.

Your obligation is to choose CPD activities relevant to your scope of practice, however, you are not precluded from choosing other types of CPD (e.g. activities relevant to patient care) if this information is useful in your personal development.

The scope of practice of a pharmacist is explained in the Regulations relating to the practice of pharmacy, which can be found on the SAPC website under https://www.sapc.za.org/Legislation_Regulations.