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PHARMACY PRACTICE BILL 2004

                                                                 PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA

                                                                   Pharmacy Practice Act 2004
                                                                                 Act No.
Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents




                                                                       TABLE OF PROVISIONS
                                                Clause                                                                Page

                                                PART 1--PRELIMINARY                                                      1
                                                  1.     Purposes                                                        1
                                                  2.     Commencement                                                    2
                                                  3.     Definitions                                                     3

                                                PART 2--REGISTRATION                                                     9
                                                Division 1--Requirements for Registration                                9
                                                  4.     Application for registration                                    9
                                                  5.     Qualifications for general registration                        10
                                                  6.     General registration                                           11
                                                  7.     Specific registration                                          14
                                                  8.     Registration as a pharmacy student                             16
                                                  9.     Interim registration                                           17
                                                  10.    Non-practising registration                                    19
                                                  11.    Endorsement                                                    19
                                                  12.    Post-graduate qualifications                                   21
                                                  13.    Entitlement of applicant to make submissions                   22
                                                  14.    Notification of outcome of application                         22
                                                  15.    Duration and renewal of registration                           24
                                                  16.    Renewal of registration                                        24
                                                  17.    Retraining after periods out of practice                       27
                                                  18.    Effect of suspension of registration                           27
                                                  19.    Registration obtained by fraud                                 27
                                                Division 2--Other requirements                                          28
                                                  20.    The Register                                                   28
                                                  21.    Certificates                                                   30
                                                  22.    Use of certificate as evidence                                 31
                                                  23.    Requirement to notify the Board of changes of address          32
                                                  24.    Provision of information                                       32




                                                                                      i
                                                551162B.I1-14/5/2004                          BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Clause Page PART 3--PHARMACIES, PHARMACY DEPARTMENTS AND PHARMACY DEPOTS 34 Division 1--Ownership and Operation 34 25. Ownership of pharmacy businesses 34 Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents 26. Establishment of pharmacy businesses and pharmacy departments 38 27. Approval of pharmacies, pharmacy businesses or pharmacy departments 39 28. Establishment and operation of pharmacy depots 40 29. Notifications about pharmacy businesses and pharmacy departments 41 Division 2--Pharmacists' Responsibilities 42 30. Notification by pharmacists 42 31. Controls over the supply, compounding or dispensing of medicines 42 32. Personal supervision of pharmacy or pharmacy department 43 33. Access to closed pharmacies and pharmacy departments 44 Division 3--Other Requirements 45 34. Dispensing and recording of prescriptions 45 35. Security at pharmacy depots 46 Division 4--Approvals and revocation of approvals 47 36. Applications for approvals 47 37. Revocation of approvals 47 PART 4--INVESTIGATIONS 50 Division 1--Notification and commencement of investigations 50 38. Notifications about pharmacists 50 39. When notifications are to be dealt with by the Health Services Commissioner as complaints 50 40. Board may deal with a health records complaint as a notification 52 41. Commencement of investigations by the Board 53 42. Request for conditions or suspension 55 43. Suspension of registration at any time 57 44. Agreements to amend, vary or revoke conditions or revoke suspensions 58 45. Notice of preliminary investigation into ability or professional performance 59 ii 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Clause Page Division 2--Specific provisions relating to the ability to practise or undertake clinical training 60 46. Medical examination 60 47. Report of examination 61 Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents 48. Outcome of preliminary investigation 62 49. Referral to a formal hearing 62 50. Findings and determinations of a formal hearing 62 Division 3--Specific provisions relating to the professional performance of pharmacists 64 51. Performance assessment 64 52. Report of assessment 64 53. Refusal to attend or co-operate 65 54. Outcome of preliminary investigation into a pharmacist's professional performance 65 55. Establishment and notice of a performance review panel 66 56. Constitution of a performance review panel 67 57. Conduct of a performance review panel 67 58. Outcome of a performance review panel's review 68 59. Referral to a medical examination or a formal hearing 69 60. Request for a formal hearing by a pharmacist 69 Division 4--Specific provisions relating to the professional conduct of pharmacists 70 61. Outcome of a preliminary investigation 70 62. Establishment and notice of an informal hearing 70 63. Constitution of a panel for an informal hearing 71 64. Notice of an informal hearing 72 65. Conduct of an informal hearing 72 66. Findings and determinations of an informal hearing 73 67. Change of informal hearing to formal hearing during course of hearing 73 68. Request for formal hearing upon completion of informal hearing 74 69. Finding and determinations of a formal hearing into conduct 74 70. Investigation may continue even if a person is no longer registered 76 Division 5--Special provisions relating to hearings 77 71. Application of Division 77 72. Establishment and notice of formal hearing 77 73. Constitution of a hearing panel for a formal hearing 78 74. Notice of a formal hearing 79 75. Preliminary conferences 80 76. Personal attendance may be required 80 77. Conduct of a formal hearing 81 iii 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Clause Page Division 6--General provisions relating to hearings 82 78. Procedure at formal and informal hearings 82 79. Powers of panel conducting a formal hearing 82 80. Determinations 83 Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents 81. Removal of suspension or condition 83 82. Reasons for determinations of panel or Board 83 83. Notice of findings, determinations and hearings 84 84. Offence to disclose information identifying a notifier 85 85. Terms and conditions of appointment of panel members 86 PART 5--REVIEW BY VCAT 87 86. Review by Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal 87 87. Notification 89 PART 6--OFFENCES AND REGULATED CONDUCT 90 88. Claims by persons as to registration 90 89. Pharmacy students 92 90. Claims by persons as to approval 93 91. Fraud, forgery etc. 93 92. Undue influence 94 93. Offence of directing or inciting unprofessional conduct 95 94. Convicted offenders may be prohibited from carrying on pharmacy business 96 95. Offence of carrying on pharmacy business while prohibited 97 96. Effect of appeal against conviction 97 97. Power to require information from convicted persons 97 98. Register of prohibitions 99 99. Evidentiary certificate 99 100. Secretary to notify Board of prohibitions 100 101. Advertising 100 102. Advertising guidelines 101 103. Power of the courts to require corrective advertising 102 PART 7--ADMINISTRATION 103 104. Establishment of Board 103 105. Powers, functions and consultation requirements 103 106. Membership of the Board 105 107. Terms of office 106 108. Resignation and removal 106 109. President and Deputy President 107 110. Acting member 107 111. Payment of members 108 112. Procedure of Board 108 113. Effect of vacancy or defect 109 114. Member's interests 109 iv 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Clause Page 115. Resolutions without meetings 110 116. Approved methods of communication for Board 111 117. Immunity 111 118. Staff 112 119. Delegation 112 Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents PART 8--REPORTING AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 113 120. Pharmacy Board Fund 113 121. Investment powers 113 122. Powers of Board in relation to fees 114 123. Repayment of advances 114 PART 9--ENFORCEMENT AND SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS 116 124. Proceedings for offences 116 125. Authorisation of persons to assist in enforcement 116 126. Identification 116 127. Powers of entry to pharmacies 117 128. Board may examine documents 118 129. Powers of entry with warrant 119 130. Announcement before entry 120 131. Copy of warrant to be given 121 132. Copies or receipts to be given 121 133. Copies of seized documents 121 134. Retention and return of seized documents or things 122 135. Magistrates' Court may extend 3 month period 122 136. Protection against self-incrimination 123 137. Offence to give false or misleading information 124 138. Offence to hinder or obstruct authorised person 124 PART 10--GENERAL 125 139. Regulations 125 PART 11--SAVINGS AND TRANSITIONALS 127 Division 1--Savings and Transitional 127 140. Definitions 127 141. Repeal 127 142. Board succeeds old Board 127 143. Proceedings before the old Board 128 144. Application of this Act to conduct occurring before commencement of this Act 129 145. Existing registrations 130 v 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Clause Page 146. Existing pharmacies, pharmacy departments and pharmacy depots 131 147. Board and regulations continue under the old Act 132 148. Preparation of annual report 133 Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents Division 2--Consequential Amendments 133 149. Consequential amendments 133 __________________ SCHEDULES 134 SCHEDULE 1--Matters Required for Approval 134 SCHEDULE 2--Consequential Amendments 136 ENDNOTES 138 INDEX 139 vi 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA Initiated in Assembly 11 May 2004 Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents A BILL to regulate the practice of pharmacists, to establish the Pharmacy Board of Victoria and the Pharmacy Board Fund, to repeal the Pharmacists Act 1974 and to make consequential amendments to other Acts and for other purposes. Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 The Parliament of Victoria enacts as follows: PART 1--PRELIMINARY 1. Purposes The main purposes of this Act are to-- (a) protect the public by providing for the registration of pharmacists and investigations 5 into the professional conduct, professional 1 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 1--Preliminary s. 2 performance and ability to practise of registered pharmacists; and (b) protect the public by providing for the registration of pharmacy students and Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents investigations into the conduct and ability of 5 pharmacy students to undertake clinical training; and (c) regulate the operation of pharmacies, pharmacy businesses, pharmacy departments and pharmacy depots; and 10 (d) regulate the advertising of pharmacies, pharmacy businesses and pharmacy services; and (e) establish the Pharmacy Board of Victoria and the Pharmacy Board Fund; and 15 (f) repeal the Pharmacists Act 1974 and to make consequential amendments to other Acts; and (g) provide for other related matters. 2. Commencement 20 (1) Sections 1, 147 and this section come into operation on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent. (2) Subject to sub-section (3), the remaining provisions of this Act come into operation on a 25 day or days to be proclaimed. (3) If a provision referred to in sub-section (2) does not come into operation before 1 July 2005, it comes into operation on that day. 2 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 1--Preliminary s. 3 3. Definitions (1) In this Act-- "alcoholic" has the same meaning as in the Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents Alcoholics and Drug-dependent Persons Act 1968; 5 "authorised person" means the Registrar or a person authorised by the Board or the Secretary under section 125 to carry out functions and exercise powers under Part 9; "Board" means the Pharmacy Board of Victoria 10 established under Part 7; "condition" includes limitation or restriction; "drug-dependent person" has the same meaning as in the Alcoholics and Drug-dependent Persons Act 1968; 15 "Fund" means the Pharmacy Board Fund established under Part 8; "Health Services Commissioner" means the Health Services Commissioner within the meaning of the Health Services 20 (Conciliation and Review) Act 1987; "lawyer" means a person admitted to practise as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court; "non-practising pharmacist" means a 25 pharmacist who is registered under section 10; "notifier" means a person who has made a notification under section 38; 3 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 1--Preliminary s. 3 "pharmacy" means premises in or from which a registered pharmacist supplies, compounds or dispenses medicines to the public and includes the portion of the premises where Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents the pharmacist sells or offers to sell goods of 5 any kind, but does not include a pharmacy department or pharmacy depot; "pharmacy business" means a business carried on at a pharmacy and includes the business of providing pharmacy services and that part 10 of the business where goods of any kind are sold or offered to be sold but does not include a pharmacy department or pharmacy depot; "pharmacy department" means the portion of 15 the premises of a registered funded agency, private hospital or privately-operated hospital within the meaning of the Health Services Act 1988 set aside for supplying, compounding or dispensing medicines on 20 order or prescription to patients and staff of the agency or hospital; "pharmacy depot" means premises at which-- (a) written prescriptions for the supplying, compounding or dispensing of 25 medicines may be left for a pharmacist; (b) medicines supplied, compounded or dispensed by a registered pharmacist may be left for collection by or on behalf of the person to whom they are 30 addressed; "pharmacy services" includes-- (a) the supply, compounding or dispensing of medicines; and (b) advice and counselling on the effective 35 and safe use of medicines; 4 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 1--Preliminary s. 3 "practise as a pharmacist" includes provide pharmacy services; "professional indemnity insurance" includes insurance against civil liability in connection Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents with the provision of pharmacy services by a 5 registered pharmacist and an agreement or arrangement for discretionary indemnity in respect of that liability; "professional performance" means the knowledge, skill or care possessed and 10 applied by a registered pharmacist in the provision of pharmacy services; "proprietary interest" means a legal or beneficial interest and includes a proprietary interest as a sole proprietor, as a partner, as a 15 director or shareholder of a company and as the trustee or beneficiary of a trust; "Register" means the Register of Pharmacists kept under Part 2; "registered medical practitioner" means a 20 medical practitioner registered under the Medical Practice Act 1994; "registered pharmacist" means a person registered under Part 2, whether or not the registration of that person is general, 25 specific, interim or non-practising but does not include a registered pharmacy student; "registered pharmacy student" means a pharmacy student registered under section 8; "Registrar" means the person employed by the 30 Board under section 118 to be responsible for maintaining the Register; 5 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 1--Preliminary s. 3 "Secretary" means-- (a) in relation to any act to which section 6(3) of the Health Act 1958 applies, the body corporate established Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents under section 6 of that Act; and 5 (b) in any other case, the Department Head, within the meaning of the Public Sector Management and Employment Act 1998, to the Department of Human Services; 10 "unprofessional conduct" means all or any of the following-- (a) professional conduct which is of a lesser standard than that which the public might reasonably expect of a 15 registered pharmacist; or (b) professional conduct which is of a lesser standard than that which might reasonably be expected of a registered pharmacist by his or her peers; or 20 (c) professional misconduct; or (d) infamous conduct in a professional respect; or (e) providing a person with pharmacy services of a kind that are excessive, 25 unnecessary or not reasonably required for that person's well-being; or (f) influencing or attempting to influence the provision of pharmacy services in such a way that client care may be 30 compromised; or (g) a contravention of section 101 or the guidelines issued under section 102; or 6 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 1--Preliminary s. 3 (h) the failure to act as a pharmacist when required under an Act or regulations to do so; or (i) a finding of guilt of-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (i) an offence where the pharmacist's 5 ability to continue to practise is likely to be affected because of the finding of guilt or where it is not in the public interest to allow the pharmacist to continue to practise 10 because of the finding of guilt; or (ii) an offence under this Act or the regulations; or (iii) an offence as a pharmacist under any other Act or regulations; or 15 (j) the contravention of, or failure to comply with a condition on the registration of the pharmacist imposed by or under this Act; or (k) if the pharmacist owns or has a 20 proprietary interest in a pharmacy business, failure to comply with a condition of approval of that pharmacy business; or (l) the breach of an agreement made under 25 section 43(5), 48 or 54 between a pharmacist and the Board; or (m) unsatisfactory professional performance; "unsatisfactory professional performance" of a 30 registered pharmacist means professional performance which is of a lesser standard than that which the registered pharmacist's peers might reasonably expect of a registered pharmacist. 35 7 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 1--Preliminary s. 3 (2) If under the Public Sector Management and Employment Act 1998 the name of the Department of Human Services is changed, the reference in the definition of "Secretary" in sub- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents section (1) to that Department must, from the date 5 when the name is changed, be treated as a reference to the Department by its new name. (3) For the purposes of this Act, a person is to be treated as carrying on a pharmacy business, pharmacy department or pharmacy depot if the 10 person owns or controls the management or operation of the pharmacy business, pharmacy department or pharmacy depot. __________________ 8 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 4 PART 2--REGISTRATION Division 1--Requirements for Registration Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents 4. Application for registration (1) An application for registration as a pharmacist may be made to the Board. 5 (2) An application must-- (a) be in writing; and (b) be accompanied by the fee fixed by the Board; and (c) be accompanied by the information referred 10 to in section 24; and (d) be accompanied by evidence of the qualifications and supervised training which the applicant claims entitle him or her to the type of registration applied for; and 15 (e) contain any particulars that are prescribed. (3) The Board-- (a) may require the applicant to provide further information or material in respect of the application; and 20 (b) may require that the information in the application be verified by a declaration under section 107 of the Evidence Act 1958; and (c) may require proof of identity of the person making the application; and 25 9 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 5 (d) may require the applicant to provide evidence that the applicant will, at the time of commencing to practise as a pharmacist, be covered by professional indemnity Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents insurance that meets the minimum terms and 5 conditions set out in the guidelines of the Board; and (e) may require the applicant to provide-- (i) an address from which the person will practise as a pharmacist to be published 10 in the Register; and (ii) a postal address where the person can be contacted by mail. 5. Qualifications for general registration A person is qualified for general registration as a 15 pharmacist if the person has successfully completed-- (a) a course of study in pharmacy practice approved by the Board or a course of study that, in the opinion of the Board, is 20 substantially equivalent, or is based on similar competencies, to a course of study in pharmacy practice approved by the Board; and (b) a period of supervised training in pharmacy 25 practice approved by the Board or a period of supervised training that, in the opinion of the Board, is substantially equivalent, or is based on similar competencies, to a period of supervised training in pharmacy practice 30 approved by the Board; and (c) an examination set by the Board or a person or body nominated by the Board for the purpose of qualifying persons for registration as pharmacists. 35 10 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 6 6. General registration (1) The Board must grant general registration as a pharmacist to an applicant, if-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (a) the applicant is qualified for registration under section 5; and 5 (b) there are no grounds under sub-section (2) under which the Board may refuse to grant registration to the applicant; and (c) the circumstances are such that sections 7 and 8 do not apply; and 10 (d) the applicant has paid the fee determined by the Board under section 4(2)(b). (2) The Board may refuse to grant registration to an applicant on any one or more of the following grounds-- 15 (a) that the character of the applicant is such that it would not be in the public interest to allow the applicant to practise as a pharmacist; (b) that the applicant is unfit to practise as a pharmacist because he or she is an alcoholic 20 or drug-dependent person which impairs his or her ability to practise as a pharmacist; (c) that the applicant has been found guilty of an offence where the ability of the applicant to practise as a pharmacist is likely to be 25 affected because of the finding of guilt or where it is not in the public interest to allow the applicant to practise because of the finding of guilt; (d) that the applicant has previously been 30 registered under this Act or any corresponding previous enactment and during the course of that registration has had proceedings under Part 4 of this Act or similar proceedings under the previous 35 11 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 6 enactment brought against him or her and those proceedings have never been finalised; (e) that, in the opinion of the Board, the applicant is unfit to be registered because he Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents or she has a physical or mental impairment 5 which impairs his or her ability to practise as a pharmacist; (f) that the applicant's competency in speaking or communicating in English is not sufficient for that person to practise as a pharmacist; 10 (g) that the applicant has previously held a right to practise as a pharmacist outside Victoria, being the equivalent of registration as a pharmacist under this Act, and that right has been cancelled or suspended and not restored 15 because of conduct which, if committed within Victoria would entitle the Board to suspend or cancel the registration; (h) that, in the opinion of the Board, the pharmacist does not have adequate 20 arrangements for professional indemnity insurance that meet the minimum terms and conditions set out in the guidelines of the Board; (i) that the applicant is disqualified from 25 applying for registration under this Act. (3) A grant of registration under this section is subject to any conditions that the Board thinks fit. (4) Without limiting the Board's powers under sub- section (3), it may impose a condition-- 30 (a) that-- (i) the pharmacist must hold professional indemnity insurance; or 12 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 6 (ii) the pharmacy services provided by the pharmacist must be covered by professional indemnity insurance; or (iii) the pharmacist must be specified or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents referred to in professional indemnity 5 insurance, whether by name or otherwise, as a person to whom the professional indemnity insurance extends even though the pharmacist is not a party to the professional 10 indemnity insurance; and (b) that the professional indemnity insurance must meet the minimum terms and conditions set out in the guidelines of the Board. 15 (5) If the applicant's arrangements satisfy the minimum terms and conditions set out in the guidelines of the Board, the Board must not-- (a) refuse to grant registration on the basis that the pharmacist's arrangements for 20 professional indemnity insurance are in the form of insurance or a discretionary indemnity; or (b) impose a condition on the registration of a pharmacist to require that the pharmacist's 25 arrangements for professional indemnity insurance must be in the form of insurance or a discretionary indemnity. (6) The Board may, upon application by the registered pharmacist or with the agreement of the 30 registered pharmacist, amend, vary or revoke any condition imposed under sub-section (3) or (4). 13 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 7 7. Specific registration (1) The Board may grant specific registration as a pharmacist to an applicant who has completed a course of study and supervised training in Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents pharmacy practice that does not qualify that 5 applicant for general registration-- (a) to enable that applicant to fill a teaching or research position in pharmacy practice approved by the Board; (b) to enable an applicant from another country 10 to practise as a pharmacist in Victoria if that applicant, with the prior permission of the Board-- (i) has exchanged practice with a registered pharmacist for a limited 15 period; or (ii) has been engaged to provide locum pharmacy services for a registered pharmacist in Victoria; (c) if the Board is satisfied that, in order to meet 20 an identified need for a pharmacist, it is necessary for a person having qualifications and training in the nature of the applicant's to practise as a pharmacist in Victoria; (d) if the Board is satisfied that it is in the public 25 interest for a person having qualifications and training in the nature of the applicant's to practise as a pharmacist in Victoria for a limited period. (2) The Board may refuse to grant specific 30 registration to an applicant if-- (a) any of the grounds for refusal set out in section 6(2) apply to the applicant; or 14 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 7 (b) having regard to the qualifications and training of the applicant, it is not in the public interest to register the applicant to practise as a pharmacist. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (3) A grant of specific registration continues in force 5 for the period specified by the Board not exceeding 12 months. (4) A grant of specific registration is subject to any condition that the Board thinks fit. (5) Without limiting the Board's powers under sub- 10 section (4) it may impose a condition-- (a) that-- (i) the pharmacist must hold professional indemnity insurance; or (ii) the pharmacy services provided by the 15 pharmacist must be covered by professional indemnity insurance; or (iii) the pharmacist must be specified or referred to in professional indemnity insurance, whether by name or 20 otherwise, as a person to whom the professional indemnity insurance extends even though the pharmacist is not a party to the professional indemnity insurance; and 25 (b) that the professional indemnity insurance must meet the minimum terms and conditions set out in the guidelines of the Board. (6) If the applicant's arrangements satisfy the 30 minimum terms and conditions set out in the guidelines of the Board, the Board must not-- (a) refuse to grant registration on the basis that the pharmacist's arrangements for professional indemnity insurance are in the 35 15 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 8 form of insurance or a discretionary indemnity; or (b) impose a condition on the registration of the pharmacist to require that the pharmacist's Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents arrangements for professional indemnity 5 insurance must be in the form of insurance or a discretionary indemnity. (7) The Board may, upon application by the registered pharmacist or with the agreement of the registered pharmacist, amend, vary or revoke any 10 condition imposed under sub-section (4) or (5). 8. Registration as a pharmacy student (1) The Board may grant or refuse to grant registration or renewal of registration as a pharmacy student to a person to enable that 15 person-- (a) to undertake or complete any period of supervised training as part of a course of study required under section 5(a); or (b) to undertake or complete any period of 20 supervised training required under section 5(b); or (c) to undertake or complete a period of training under the supervision of a registered pharmacist required by the Board under 25 section 17; or (d) to undertake or complete a course of study in pharmacy practice required by the Board under section 17; or (e) to undertake or complete units of a course of 30 study in pharmacy practice required by the Board under section 17. (2) A person may apply in writing to the Board for registration or renewal of registration as a pharmacy student. 35 16 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 9 (3) The Board may require an applicant for registration or renewal of registration as a pharmacy student to provide information or material in respect of the application. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (4) The registration of a person as a pharmacy student 5 granted or renewed under this section-- (a) continues in force for the period specified by the Board not exceeding 12 months; and (b) is subject to any condition imposed by the Board. 10 (5) The Board may, upon application by a registered pharmacy student or with the agreement of the registered pharmacy student, amend, vary or revoke any condition on the registration of the pharmacy student. 15 (6) The Board must not impose a condition on the registration of a pharmacy student relating to professional indemnity insurance. (7) No fee is payable for registration or renewal of registration of a pharmacy student. 20 9. Interim registration (1) An applicant for registration may be granted interim registration-- (a) if the person is entitled to registration under section 6 but it is not practicable to wait until 25 the Board can consider the application; or (b) if the person would be entitled to registration as a pharmacy student under section 8(1)(b) except that the applicant has not received documentary evidence of the qualification 30 relating to the course of study referred to in section 5(a). 17 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 9 (2) The Registrar or a person authorised by the Board for the purposes of this section may grant interim registration to an applicant for registration in accordance with this section. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (3) Interim registration may be granted subject to any 5 condition imposed by the Registrar or a person authorised by the Board for the purposes of this section. (4) A person's interim registration is in force from the date it is granted under sub-section (1) until the 10 person is given notice that-- (a) the Board has granted the person registration under section 6 or 8; or (b) the Board has refused to grant the person registration under section 6 or 8; or 15 (c) the Board has cancelled the interim registration. (5) The Board may cancel a person's interim registration if the Board is of the opinion that the person is no longer entitled to registration under 20 this Part and must then immediately give the person notice of the cancellation. (6) A person who holds interim registration is for all purposes taken to be a registered pharmacist or a registered pharmacy student as the case requires. 25 (7) The date on which a person is registered is (if the person was the holder of interim registration immediately before the person is registered), to be taken to be the date on which interim registration was granted. 30 (8) Interim registration granted under this section by the Registrar or a person authorised by the Board is taken to have been granted by the Board. 18 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 10 10. Non-practising registration (1) A person who is entitled to or eligible for registration under section 6 but who does not intend to practise as a pharmacist may apply to be Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents registered as a non-practising pharmacist. 5 (2) The Board may register a person as a non- practising pharmacist subject to the condition that the person is not to practise as a pharmacist during the period of registration and any other conditions imposed by the Board. 10 (3) The Board must not impose a condition on the registration of a non-practising pharmacist under this section relating to professional indemnity insurance. 11. Endorsement 15 (1) The Board may endorse the registration of a pharmacist to the effect that the pharmacist is qualified to be exempt with respect to providing Chinese herbal dispensing services from section 61(1)(c) and (d) and (4) of the Chinese Medicine 20 Registration Act 2000 if the Board is satisfied that the pharmacist has satisfactorily completed-- (a) a course of study or training in Chinese herbal dispensing which, in the opinion of the Board, qualifies the pharmacist to 25 practise as a Chinese herbal dispenser; and (b) any examination set by or on behalf of the Board to determine whether the pharmacist is competent to provide Chinese herbal dispensing services. 30 (2) The Board may endorse the registration of a pharmacist to the effect that he or she is qualified to obtain and have in his or her possession and to use, sell or supply but not to prescribe Schedule 1 poisons within the meaning of the Drugs, Poisons 35 and Controlled Substances Act 1981, subject to 19 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 11 that Act and the regulations made under that Act if the Board is satisfied that the pharmacist has satisfactorily completed-- (a) a course of study or training which, in the Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents opinion of the Board, qualifies the 5 pharmacist to obtain and have in his or her possession and to use, sell or supply those poisons; and (b) any examination set by or on behalf of the Board to determine whether the pharmacist 10 is competent to obtain and have in his or her possession and to use, sell or supply those poisons. (3) The Board may impose any condition on an endorsement under this section including a 15 condition on an endorsement under sub-section (2) relating to the form or state of the Schedule 1 poison or whether the poison is manufactured or packaged or not. (4) An applicant for registration or renewal of 20 registration under section 6 or a person registered under section 6 may apply to the Board for an endorsement under this section. (5) An application must be-- (a) in writing in the form approved by the Board 25 and accompanied by evidence of the qualifications or training which the applicant claims qualify him or her for the endorsement applied for; and (b) accompanied by the fee determined by the 30 Board. 20 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 12 (6) The Board may require-- (a) the applicant to provide further information or material in respect of the application; and Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (b) that the information in the application be verified by a declaration under section 107 of 5 the Evidence Act 1958. (7) The endorsement of the registration of the pharmacist continues in force for the period that the registration is in force. (8) The Board must notify the Chinese Medicine 10 Registration Board, within 30 days after endorsing the registration of a pharmacist or cancelling the endorsement of registration of a pharmacist, of-- (a) the name and address of the pharmacist; (b) details of the endorsement of registration; 15 (c) the date of the endorsement of the registration; (d) any condition imposed on the endorsement of the registration; (e) the cancellation of the endorsement of 20 registration. 12. Post-graduate qualifications (1) The Board, from time to time, may recognise any post-graduate qualification that the Board considers to be relevant to the provision of 25 pharmacy services in addition to those required for registration. (2) An applicant for registration or a registered person may apply to the Board to have particulars of a post-graduate qualification that is recognised by 30 the Board at the time of application noted on the Register against the name of that pharmacist. 21 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 13 (3) An application must be in writing and be accompanied by the fee for the application fixed by the Board together with evidence of the post- graduate qualifications that the applicant wants to Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents have noted on the Register in addition to those 5 approved for registration purposes. (4) The Board must publish a list of the post-graduate qualifications that are currently recognised under this section. (5) The Board must-- 10 (a) publish the list at least once a year in a publication circulating among registered pharmacists generally; and (b) make the list available for inspection during normal business hours at the office of the 15 Board without charge. 13. Entitlement of applicant to make submissions If the Board is proposing to refuse an application for registration or renewal of registration or for endorsement of registration or renewal of 20 endorsement or to impose conditions on the registration or endorsement of registration of an applicant, the Board must not do so until-- (a) it has given the applicant notice of the proposal; and 25 (b) it has given the applicant an opportunity to make submissions to the Board about the proposal. 14. Notification of outcome of application (1) The Board must notify the applicant of its 30 decision within 28 days after determining an application for registration or renewal of registration or for endorsement of registration or renewal of endorsement under this Part. 22 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 14 (2) A notice under sub-section (1) must include the following information-- (a) if the registration has been granted or renewed-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (i) the type of registration granted or 5 renewed; and (ii) whether or not any condition has been imposed on the registration and, if so, the reasons for imposing the condition; and 10 (iii) a statement that the applicant has a right to obtain a review of the decision for imposing the condition; or (b) if the registration has not been granted or renewed-- 15 (i) the reasons why it has not been granted or renewed; and (ii) a statement that the applicant has a right to obtain a review of the decision not to grant or renew the registration; or 20 (c) if the registration has been endorsed or the endorsement renewed-- (i) details of the endorsement; and (ii) whether or not any condition has been imposed on the endorsement and, if so, 25 the reasons for imposing the condition; and (iii) a statement that the applicant has a right to obtain a review of the decision to impose the condition on the 30 endorsement; or 23 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 15 (d) if the endorsement or renewal of endorsement of registration has been refused-- (i) the reasons why it has been refused; Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents and 5 (ii) a statement that the applicant has a right to obtain a review of the decision to refuse to endorse or renew the endorsement of the registration. 15. Duration and renewal of registration 10 The registration or renewal of registration of a pharmacist continues in force until a date determined by the Board that must not be more than 12 months after the grant or renewal of the registration. 15 16. Renewal of registration (1) An application for renewal of registration as a pharmacist must be-- (a) made to the Board before the existing registration expires; and 20 (b) accompanied by the information referred to in section 24; and (c) accompanied by the fee (if any) determined by the Board. (2) If an application for renewal relates to a 25 registration that is endorsed under section 11, the applicant may include an application to have the endorsement of registration renewed for the period of registration. 24 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 16 (3) The Board may require an applicant to-- (a) provide evidence that the applicant will be covered by professional indemnity insurance that meets the minimum terms and Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents conditions set out in the guidelines of the 5 Board; (b) provide information about-- (i) the main types of pharmacy services that the applicant has been providing during the existing registration period; 10 (ii) any continuing professional development undertaken during the existing registration period; (iii) whether or not the applicant intends to practise as a pharmacist during the 15 period for which the registration is to be renewed; (iv) if the applicant intends to practise as a pharmacist during that period, the main types of pharmacy services that the 20 applicant intends to provide during that period; (c) provide-- (i) an address from which the pharmacist will practise as a pharmacist and which 25 will be published in the register; and (ii) a postal address where the pharmacist can be contacted by mail. (4) An applicant for renewal of registration-- (a) as a pharmacist under section 6 or 7 who has 30 not provided pharmacy services for a period of more than 2 years before the application for renewal; or 25 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 16 (b) who intends to change the type of pharmacy services they provide during the period of registration-- must provide details of the person's training or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents proposed training to ensure they are competent to 5 provide those pharmacy services during the period of registration. (5) A person may not apply for renewal of interim registration. (6) If a person does not apply for renewal of 10 registration before the end of the existing registration period, the Board may renew that person's registration if application is made within 3 months after the end of the registration period and if the applicant pays an additional renewal fee 15 determined by the Board which must not be more than 50% of the original fee. (7) For a period of 3 months after a person's registration has expired without being renewed that person is to be deemed to be registered, and 20 if, at the end of that period, that person has not renewed his or her registration, the Board must remove that person's name from the Register. (8) The Board may refuse to renew the registration of an applicant on any ground on which the Board 25 might refuse to grant the registration. (9) If an application for renewal relates to a registration that is endorsed under section 11, the Board may refuse to renew the endorsement of registration of the applicant if the Board is 30 satisfied that the applicant is not, at the time of renewal, qualified in accordance with section 11. 26 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 17 17. Retraining after periods out of practice The Board may require an applicant for renewal of registration referred to in section 16(4)(a) or (b) to successfully complete all or any of the Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents following before renewing the registration of the 5 pharmacist-- (a) a period of training under the supervision of a registered pharmacist approved by the Board; (b) a course of study in pharmacy practice 10 approved by the Board; (c) units of a course of study in pharmacy practice approved by the Board; (d) an examination set by or on behalf of the Board. 15 18. Effect of suspension of registration For the purposes of this Act, a pharmacist or pharmacy student whose registration is suspended is deemed to be not registered for the period of that suspension. 20 19. Registration obtained by fraud (1) The Board must conduct a hearing into the matter if the Board believes that-- (a) the registration or endorsement of registration of a pharmacist has been 25 obtained by fraud or misrepresentation; or (b) the registration of a pharmacy student has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation; or (c) the qualifications upon which the pharmacist 30 relied for registration or endorsement of registration have been withdrawn; or 27 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 20 (d) the qualifications upon which the pharmacy student relied for registration have been withdrawn. (2) The Board must give notice of the time and place Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents of the hearing to the pharmacist or pharmacy 5 student. (3) The provisions applying to the conduct of a formal hearing under Part 4 apply to a hearing under this section as if the hearing under this section were a formal hearing. 10 (4) If, at the end of the hearing, the Board determines that the registration of the pharmacist or pharmacy student has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation or that the qualifications upon which the pharmacist or pharmacy student has 15 relied for registration have been withdrawn, the Board must cancel the registration of the pharmacist or pharmacy student. (5) If, at the end of the hearing, the Board determines that the endorsement of registration of the 20 pharmacist has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation or that the qualifications upon which the pharmacist has relied for endorsement of registration have been withdrawn, the Board must cancel the endorsement of registration of the 25 pharmacist and may also, if appropriate, cancel the registration of the pharmacist. Division 2--Other requirements 20. The Register (1) The Board must keep a register of all pharmacists 30 to whom the Board has granted registration under this Act. (2) The register is to be called the Register of Pharmacists. 28 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 20 (3) The following particulars must be included on the Register against the name of the pharmacist to whom they apply-- (a) the registration number; Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (b) a description of the registration granted; 5 (c) the academic qualification and training in pharmacy practice required for registration including the name of the person or body that awarded the qualification or provided the training and the year the qualification 10 was awarded; (d) the year the pharmacist was first registered under this Act; (e) any current endorsement referred to in section 11; 15 (f) any current condition imposed on the registration or endorsement of registration; (g) an address from which the pharmacist provides pharmacy services; (h) any current suspension of the registration; 20 (i) any post-graduate qualification to be noted on the Register under section 12. (4) Despite sub-section (3)(f), the Board may omit from the Register details of any condition imposed on the registration of a pharmacist as the result of 25 an investigation into the ill health or impairment of the pharmacist if the Board is satisfied that the condition does not directly affect the pharmacy services provided by the pharmacist. (5) The Board may publish the Register on a website 30 maintained by or in the name of the Board on the Internet. 29 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 21 (6) The Register may be inspected at the office of the Board by any person during ordinary office hours without charge. (7) A person may obtain a copy of or an extract from Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents the Register on payment of the fee determined by 5 the Board. (8) A pharmacist's private address must not appear on that part of the Register which is published or open to the public for inspection, unless-- (a) the private address is also the address 10 nominated by the pharmacist as the place from which the pharmacist provides pharmacy services; or (b) the pharmacist so authorises. 21. Certificates 15 (1) Upon-- (a) granting registration to a person under this Part; or (b) endorsing the registration of a pharmacist under this Part; or 20 (c) renewing the registration of a person under this Part-- the Board must issue a certificate of registration to that person. (2) The following particulars must be included on a 25 certificate of registration-- (a) the type of registration granted; (b) any current endorsement referred to in section 11; (c) any condition imposed on the registration or 30 endorsement of registration; 30 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 22 (d) any post-graduate qualification noted on the person's registration under section 12; (e) any prescribed information. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (3) If the registration of a pharmacist or pharmacy student has been suspended or cancelled, the 5 pharmacist or pharmacy student must return his or her current certificate of registration to the Board within 14 days after being requested to do so by the Board. Penalty: 10 penalty units. 10 (4) If the endorsement of a pharmacist's registration has been cancelled, the pharmacist must return his or her current certificate of registration to the Board within 14 days after being requested to do so by the Board. 15 Penalty: 10 penalty units. (5) If the Board notifies a pharmacist or pharmacy student of any condition it has imposed on the registration or endorsement of registration of the pharmacist or the registration of the pharmacy 20 student, the pharmacist or pharmacy student must return the current certificate of registration to the Board within 14 days after the notification. Penalty: 10 penalty units. 22. Use of certificate as evidence 25 A certificate purporting to be signed by the President or any two members of the Board certifying-- (a) any matter relating to the contents of the Register as at that date; or 30 31 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 23 (b) that any disciplinary or other action is or is not or was or was not, at any specified date, being taken against a pharmacist or pharmacy student registered under this Act-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents is evidence, and, in the absence of evidence to the 5 contrary, is proof of the matters stated in it. 23. Requirement to notify the Board of changes of address (1) A registered pharmacist who changes his or her postal address or any address from where the 10 pharmacist provides pharmacy services must notify the Board of the change within 14 days after that change. Penalty: 10 penalty units. (2) A registered pharmacy student who changes his or 15 her postal address must notify the Board of the change within 14 days after that change. Penalty: 10 penalty units. 24. Provision of information (1) If a person has claimed damages or other 20 compensation from a registered pharmacist for alleged negligence in the course of providing pharmacy services, the pharmacist must provide the Board with information about the amount of damages or other compensation the pharmacist is 25 ordered by a court to pay within 30 days after the order is made. Penalty: 25 penalty units. (2) Sub-section (1) does not apply if-- (a) the amount is less than the amount fixed by 30 the Board for the purposes of this section; or (b) the court orders that the terms of the order should not be disclosed. 32 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 2--Registration s. 24 (3) If a registered pharmacist or a registered pharmacy student has in respect of an indictable offence-- (a) been committed for trial; or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (b) been convicted or found guilty of the 5 offence-- he or she must notify the Board within 30 days after that committal for trial, conviction or finding of guilt. Penalty: 25 penalty units. 10 (4) A registered pharmacist (other than a non- practising pharmacist) who has not provided pharmacy services for a period of more than 2 years or who intends to change the type of pharmacy services they provide during the period 15 of registration must, as soon as is practicable-- (a) notify the Board; and (b) provide details of the person's training or proposed training to ensure they are competent to provide those pharmacy 20 services during the period of registration. Penalty: 25 penalty units. (5) An applicant for registration or renewal of registration as a pharmacist or pharmacy student must ensure that details of any of the matters 25 required to be notified by sub-section (1), (3) or (4) are set out in the application. (6) The Board, by notice published in the Government Gazette, may fix an amount of damages or compensation referred to in this 30 section. __________________ 33 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 25 PART 3--PHARMACIES, PHARMACY DEPARTMENTS AND PHARMACY DEPOTS Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents Division 1--Ownership and Operation 25. Ownership of pharmacy businesses (1) A person must not own or have a proprietary 5 interest in a pharmacy business unless the person is-- (a) a registered pharmacist; (b) a company registered under the Corporations Act-- 10 (i) whose directors are all registered pharmacists; and (ii) in which all the shares and the beneficial and legal interest in those shares are held by registered 15 pharmacists; (c) a company registered under the Corporations Act that-- (i) immediately before 1 July 1999 was registered or incorporated as a friendly 20 society under a Friendly Societies Code of a State or Territory that was in force at that time; and (ii) is a company limited by guarantee or shares or by guarantee and shares; and 25 (iii) has at least 100 members; and (iv) whose members have equal voting rights on a poll or at a meeting or equal voting rights to elect a representative to vote on their behalf; and 30 34 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 25 (v) whose objects include the provision of health or welfare facilities or services for its members or their dependants; and Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (vi) whose undistributed surplus if the 5 company were wound up is to be distributed among its members at the time of winding up or transferred to anther person or body with a similar structure and objects; and 10 (vii) satisfies the Board that-- (A) the company is not carrying on business for the dominant purpose of securing a profit or pecuniary gain for its members; and 15 (B) any object or intention of the company to provide a dividend to its shareholders or members is a limited and not dominant purpose of the company; and 20 (C) the property and income of the company is applied towards the objects of the company; (d) a company registered under the Corporations Act that is a wholly owned subsidiary of a 25 company referred to in paragraph (c); (e) a company registered under the Corporations Act that-- (i) satisfies the requirements of paragraph (c)(ii) to (vii); and 30 (ii) is an amalgamation of 2 or more companies that comply with paragraph (c); 35 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 25 (f) a person approved by the Board to carry on a pharmacy business in an area that the Board determines needs a pharmacy business but in which there is no person referred to in Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents paragraphs (a) to (e) who is able to own and 5 carry on the pharmacy business. Penalty: 240 penalty units in the case of a natural person and 600 penalty units in the case of a body corporate. (2) A registered pharmacist and a company referred to 10 in sub-section (1)(b) must not own or have a proprietary interest in more than 5 separate pharmacy businesses. (3) A person is not to be treated as having a proprietary interest in a company referred to in 15 sub-section (1)(c), (d) or (e) in respect of an interest as a director or shareholder of that company. (4) Nothing in this section applies to a person who-- (a) is the executor, administrator or trustee of 20 the estate of a pharmacist who has died and who carried on a pharmacy business at the time of his or her death; or (b) is appointed or authorised under the laws of bankruptcy to administer the property of a 25 pharmacist who carried on a pharmacy business and is bankrupt; or (c) assumes the administration of the property of a person under a mortgage, bill of sale or security interest of that person's pharmacy 30 business-- to continue to carry on the pharmacy business for a period of 6 months or for any further period permitted by the Board if the pharmacy services of the business are provided by a registered 35 pharmacist in accordance with this Part. 36 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 25 (5) Nothing in sub-section (1) or (2) applies to an interest created when a person referred to in section 25(1)(a) to (f) gives a mortgage, bill of sale or security interest in respect of the person's Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents pharmacy business if the mortgage, bill of sale or 5 document creating the security interest does not contravene section 92. (6) A company referred to in sub-section (1)(c), (d) or (e) must notify the Board within 30 days after a notice is lodged with, or an application is made to, 10 the Australian Securities and Investments Commission under Part 5 of Schedule 4 to the Corporations Act about-- (a) the company; or (b) a company referred to in paragraph (d) of 15 which it is a wholly owned subsidiary. (7) The Board may require a person referred to in sub-section (1) to give the Board any information or produce any documents relating to the person's ownership or proprietary interest in a pharmacy 20 business. (8) A person must not fail or refuse to give the Board any information required under sub-section (6) or (7) or fail or refuse to produce any documents required under sub-section (7) or wilfully mislead 25 the Board when giving the information. Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person and 120 penalty units in the case of a body corporate. (9) Each pharmacy business carried on at separate 30 premises including a pharmacy business carried on by the same person or under the same name as another pharmacy business is to be treated as a separate pharmacy business for the purposes of this Act. 35 37 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 26 (10) Any information or documents given to the Board under sub-section (7) are not admissible in any proceedings except proceedings under this section in relation to the person who provided the Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents information or produced the documents. 5 26. Establishment of pharmacy businesses and pharmacy departments (1) A person must not establish or carry on a pharmacy business or pharmacy department unless-- 10 (a) in the case of a pharmacy business, the person satisfies the requirements of section 25(1) and (2); and (b) in the case of a pharmacy department, the person is a registered funded agency, private 15 hospital or privately-operated hospital within the meaning of the Health Services Act 1988 that is acting in accordance with the provisions of the Health Services Act 1988; and 20 (c) the Board approves the premises of the pharmacy business or pharmacy department; and (d) the Board approves the carrying on of a pharmacy business or a pharmacy 25 department from the premises. Penalty: 240 penalty units in the case of a natural person and 600 penalty units in the case of a body corporate. (2) Nothing in this section applies to a person referred 30 to in section 25(4) who is carrying on a pharmacy business in accordance with that sub-section. 38 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 27 27. Approval of pharmacies, pharmacy businesses or pharmacy departments (1) The Board may approve the premises of a pharmacy business or pharmacy department if the Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents Board is satisfied that the premises-- 5 (a) are suitable for the provision of pharmacy services; and (b) without limiting paragraph (a), comply with the requirements in Schedule 1 that relate to premises and any other requirements that are 10 prescribed. (2) The Board may approve a person referred to in section 25(1) to carry on a pharmacy business or a person referred to in section 26(1)(b) to carry on a pharmacy department at premises if the Board is 15 satisfied that the facilities, equipment, security, management and operation of the pharmacy business or pharmacy department at the premises comply with-- (a) good pharmacy practice; and 20 (b) without limiting paragraph (a), the relevant requirements in Schedule 1 and any other requirements that are prescribed. (3) The Board may also have regard to the following matters in determining whether or not to grant 25 approval to carry on a pharmacy business-- (a) the applicant's compliance with this Act, the regulations and any guidelines issued by the Board; (b) the commitment of the applicant to utilising 30 quality improvement programs that promote quality and safety in the dispensing and use of medicines; 39 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 28 (c) the applicant's participation in public health programs relevant to the provision of pharmacy services; (d) the applicant's provision of affordable Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents pharmacy services to disadvantaged groups. 5 (4) The Board must not approve a registered funded agency to carry on a pharmacy department unless the Board has consulted with the Secretary. (5) The Board may refuse to approve the use of any premises as a pharmacy or pharmacy department 10 if the premises are freely accessible to persons from other premises where a business or activity other than that of providing pharmacy services is carried out. (6) A person approved by the Board under this 15 section must not authorise, cause or permit any other person to carry on in the premises approved under sub-section (1) any business or activity unless that business or activity is approved by the Board and specified in the approval. 20 (7) The Board may impose any condition it thinks appropriate on the approval of premises or a pharmacy business or pharmacy department. (8) The Board must not refuse to approve the premises of a pharmacy business on the ground 25 that the Board itself disapproves of the geographical location of those premises. 28. Establishment and operation of pharmacy depots (1) A person approved to carry on a pharmacy business or pharmacy department under section 26 30 may, with the written approval of the Board, establish a pharmacy depot at which-- (a) written prescriptions for the supplying, compounding or dispensing of medicines may be left for a registered pharmacist; 35 40 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 29 (b) medicines supplied, compounded or dispensed by a registered pharmacist may be left for collection by or on behalf of the person to whom they are addressed. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (2) The Board may approve a pharmacy depot if 5 satisfied that-- (a) the premises of the pharmacy depot provide secure storage for the prescriptions and medicines referred to in sub-section (1); and (b) the applicant will have suitable arrangements 10 at the depot to ensure that-- (i) client records are kept confidential and secure; and (ii) conversations at the depot can be conducted between a registered 15 pharmacist and the person to whom the medicines are dispensed; and (iii) those conversations are able to be conducted in confidence; and (c) the person who will operate the pharmacy 20 depot will be at least 18 years of age. 29. Notifications about pharmacy businesses and pharmacy departments (1) If-- (a) a person intends to establish or carry on a 25 pharmacy business; or (b) a person approved to carry on a pharmacy business intends to-- (i) cease carrying on the pharmacy business; or 30 41 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 30 (ii) change the address of the premises of the pharmacy business-- the person must notify the Board as soon as is practicable. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents Penalty: 10 penalty units. 5 (2) If a pharmacy department is to cease operation, the person approved to carry on the pharmacy department must notify the Board within 14 days before the pharmacy department is closed. Penalty: 10 penalty units. 10 Division 2--Pharmacists' Responsibilities 30. Notification by pharmacists (1) A registered pharmacist must, within 14 days after the pharmacist commences to supply, compound or dispense medicines from a pharmacy or 15 pharmacy department, notify the Board of the address of the pharmacy or pharmacy department. Penalty: 10 penalty units. (2) Sub-section (1) does not apply to a person who has agreed in writing with the Board to notify the 20 Board in the circumstances agreed with the Board. 31. Controls over the supply, compounding or dispensing of medicines (1) A registered pharmacist must not supply, compound or dispense medicines except-- 25 (a) from a pharmacy or pharmacy department that is approved by the Board; or (b) in any other special circumstances that are approved by the Board in a particular case. 42 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 32 (2) A registered pharmacist providing pharmacy services from a pharmacy or a pharmacy department approved by the Board must not permit any person to supply, compound or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents dispense medicines except when the person is 5 doing so under the supervision of the registered pharmacist. 32. Personal supervision of pharmacy or pharmacy department (1) A pharmacy or a pharmacy department must be 10 personally supervised by a registered pharmacist at all times it is open for business. (2) If pharmacy services are being provided at a pharmacy or pharmacy department that is not personally supervised by a registered 15 pharmacist-- (a) in the case of a pharmacy, the person approved to carry on the pharmacy business of that pharmacy; and (b) in the case of a pharmacy department, the 20 person approved to carry on the pharmacy department; and (c) the registered pharmacist who is regularly and usually in charge of the pharmacy or pharmacy department; and 25 (d) the registered pharmacist (if he or she is not the pharmacist referred to in paragraph (c)) who had in respect of that period of time been placed in charge of and had undertaken to personally supervise the pharmacy or 30 pharmacy department-- are severally guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty not exceeding 25 penalty units. 43 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 33 (3) It is a defence in a prosecution for a contravention of this section if the defendant establishes that-- (a) he or she did not know and could not reasonably have known that at the relevant Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents period of time the pharmacy or the pharmacy 5 department was being used to provide pharmacy services and was not being personally supervised by a registered pharmacist; and (b) he or she had reason to believe that at that 10 period of time the pharmacy or the pharmacy department would be personally supervised by a registered pharmacist. (4) In this section "personally supervised by a registered pharmacist" means personally 15 supervised by a registered pharmacist who is present at the pharmacy or the pharmacy department. 33. Access to closed pharmacies and pharmacy departments 20 (1) The registered pharmacist who is regularly and usually in charge of a pharmacy and the person approved to carry on the pharmacy business must not allow a person to have access to that pharmacy when it is not open for business unless a registered 25 pharmacist is present. Penalty: 25 penalty units. (2) The registered pharmacist who is regularly and usually in charge of a pharmacy department and the person approved to carry on the pharmacy 30 department must not allow a person to have access to that pharmacy department when it is not open for providing pharmacy services unless a registered pharmacist is present. Penalty: 25 penalty units. 35 44 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 34 Division 3--Other Requirements 34. Dispensing and recording of prescriptions (1) A registered pharmacist must take reasonable Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents steps to ensure that the dispensing of a medicine in accordance with a prescription or order is 5 consistent with the safety of the person named in that prescription or order. (2) A registered pharmacist must keep a record of every prescription supplied, compounded or dispensed by the pharmacist in accordance with 10 sub-section (3). (3) The record of a prescription must be in English and include-- (a) the name and address of the person to whom the medicine is dispensed; 15 (b) the date the medicine is dispensed; (c) the name and dose form of the medicine dispensed; (d) the strength or identifying formula; (e) the quantity or number of doses ordered; 20 (f) the directions for the use of the medicine; (g) any other ancillary written instructions supplied on the label; (h) the name, address and telephone number of the prescriber; 25 (i) any alteration to the original prescription; (j) any other information concerning the medicine and its use. (4) The record of the prescription must-- (a) be retained in a secure place at the pharmacy 30 or pharmacy department for at least 3 years; 45 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 35 (b) be made at the time of dispensing or, in the case of emergency, within 24 hours after the dispensing; (c) be certified by the registered pharmacist who Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents dispensed the prescription with his or her 5 handwritten signature within 24 hours after the dispensing-- (i) in the prescription record; or (ii) if the prescription record is made in a manner which precludes handwritten 10 endorsement, in a separate record kept for that purpose, that he or she dispensed the prescription and the certified record must be kept as part of the prescription record; 15 (d) be readily retrievable by reference to the name and address of the person to whom the medicine was dispensed, the date of dispensing and from information on the label on the container. 20 35. Security at pharmacy depots The operator of a pharmacy depot must keep secure-- (a) medicines left for collection at the depot until they are collected by or on behalf of the 25 persons to whom they are addressed; and (b) prescription and client records kept at the depot. Penalty: 25 penalty units. 46 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 36 Division 4--Approvals and revocation of approvals 36. Applications for approvals A person may apply to the Board for approval Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents under this Part and the application must contain the information required by the Board to 5 determine the application and be accompanied by the fee fixed by the Board. 37. Revocation of approvals (1) If the Board is satisfied that-- (a) in the case of a pharmacy business, the 10 person carrying on the pharmacy business does not satisfy the requirements of section 25(1) or (2); or (b) the person carrying on a pharmacy business, pharmacy department or pharmacy depot-- 15 (i) has failed to carry on the pharmacy business, pharmacy department or pharmacy depot in accordance with this Act, the regulations or any conditions of approval; or 20 (ii) has been convicted of an offence against this Act or the regulations; or (iii) has contravened section 101 or the guidelines issued under section 102 on one or more occasions and, in the 25 Board's opinion, it is not in the public interest that the person continue to carry on a pharmacy business; or (iv) is found guilty of an offence such that in the Board's opinion it is not in the 30 public interest that the person continue to carry on a pharmacy business, pharmacy department or pharmacy depot; or 47 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 37 (c) there has been a failure of security at the pharmacy business, pharmacy department or pharmacy depot that presents a serious risk to public health and safety; or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (d) the premises of the pharmacy business, 5 pharmacy department or pharmacy depot are unhygienic or no longer suitable for use as such; or (e) there has been a failure of good pharmaceutical practice at the premises of 10 the pharmacy business, pharmacy department or pharmacy depot that presents a serious risk to public health and safety-- the Board may give notice in writing to the person approved to carry on the pharmacy business, 15 pharmacy department or pharmacy depot. (2) The notice may-- (a) revoke the approval at the end of 28 days after the day on which the notice is given; or (b) state an intention to revoke the approval 20 unless within a period (not being less than 28 days) specified in the notice satisfactory arrangements are made to remedy any specified failure or circumstance. (3) In determining whether to give a notice under sub- 25 section (2), the Board must consider-- (a) the conduct of the person carrying on the pharmacy business, pharmacy department or pharmacy depot; and (b) the seriousness of any breaches of this Act, 30 the regulations or any condition of approval; and (c) whether the breaches could have been avoided by the exercise of reasonable care; and 35 48 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 3--Pharmacies, Pharmacy Departments and Pharmacy Depots s. 37 (d) any circumstances that may prevent the person from being able to continue to carry on the pharmacy business, pharmacy department or pharmacy depot in accordance Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents with this Act, the regulations or any 5 condition of approval. __________________ 49 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 38 PART 4--INVESTIGATIONS Division 1--Notification and commencement of Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents investigations 38. Notifications about pharmacists (1) A person may notify the Board about any matter 5 relating to a registered pharmacist if the person believes it indicates that-- (a) the pharmacist's ability to practise as a pharmacist may be affected because-- (i) of the physical or mental health of the 10 pharmacist; or (ii) the pharmacist has an incapacity; or (iii) the pharmacist is an alcoholic or drug- dependent person; or (b) the pharmacist may have engaged in 15 unprofessional conduct; or (c) the professional performance of the pharmacist may be unsatisfactory. (2) A person may notify the Board about a person who was a registered pharmacist but has ceased to 20 be a registered pharmacist if the notification relates to the professional conduct of the other person at a time when that other person was a registered pharmacist. 39. When notifications are to be dealt with by the 25 Health Services Commissioner as complaints (1) If the Board receives a notification about a registered pharmacist or a person who was a registered pharmacist referred to in section 38(2), and the notification is about a matter that-- 30 50 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 39 (a) is set out in section 16 of the Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act 1987; or (b) may be the subject of a complaint under the Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents Health Records Act 2001-- 5 the Board must notify the Health Services Commissioner and give a copy of the notification to the Health Services Commissioner as soon as possible after it has received the notification. (2) The Board, in consultation with the Health 10 Services Commissioner, must determine whether or not the notification is to be dealt with by the Commissioner or the Board. (3) The Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act 1987 applies to a notification made under this 15 Part which is to be dealt with by the Health Services Commissioner under that Act as if the notification were a complaint made under section 16 of that Act. (4) The Health Records Act 2001 applies to a 20 notification made under this Part which is to be dealt with by the Health Services Commissioner under that Act as if the notification were a complaint made under section 45(1) of that Act. (5) The Board must not deal further with a 25 notification made under this Part that is to be dealt with by the Health Services Commissioner unless the Health Services Commissioner refers the matter back to the Board under section 19(6) of the Health Services (Conciliation and Review) 30 Act 1987 or section 52 of the Health Records Act 2001. 51 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 40 (6) If a notification has been referred to and is being dealt with by the Health Services Commissioner, the Commissioner must advise the Board, when the matter is completed, of the outcome of the Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents matter. 5 (7) This section does not apply in relation to a request made by a pharmacist about his or her ability to practise under section 42(1)(a). 40. Board may deal with a health records complaint as a notification 10 (1) The Board-- (a) may accept a complaint, or part of a complaint, relating to a registered pharmacist that the Health Services Commissioner proposes to refer to the Board under 15 section 52 of the Health Records Act 2001; and (b) must treat a complaint, or part of a complaint, referred to it under section 52 of the Health Records Act 2001 as if it were a 20 notification made under this Act. (2) If a complaint has been referred to the Board by the Health Services Commissioner under section 52 of the Health Records Act 2001, the Board must advise the Health Services 25 Commissioner of the progress of the matter, when required by the Health Services Commissioner to do so, and, when the matter is completed, of the outcome of the matter. (3) Advice under sub-section (2) must include any 30 information that the Health Services Commissioner specifies by written notice to the Board. 52 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 41 41. Commencement of investigations by the Board (1) The Board must investigate a notification made under section 38 unless-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (a) the notification is to be dealt with by the Health Services Commissioner under 5 section 39; or (b) the Board has determined the notification to be frivolous, vexatious, misconceived or lacking in substance; or (c) the Board has determined the notification 10 does not warrant investigation; or (d) the pharmacist is no longer registered by the Board. (2) In order to determine whether or not it is necessary to conduct an informal or formal 15 hearing or whether or not a performance review should be carried out, the Board must conduct a preliminary investigation into the notification. (3) The Board, of its own motion, may determine to conduct a preliminary investigation into a matter 20 referred to in sub-section (4). (4) The Board may arrange a preliminary investigation if the Board believes that-- (a) the ability of a registered pharmacist to practise as a pharmacist may be affected 25 because-- (i) of the physical or mental health of the pharmacist; or (ii) the pharmacist has an incapacity; or (iii) the pharmacist is an alcoholic or drug- 30 dependent person; or 53 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 41 (b) the ability of a pharmacy student to undertake clinical training as part of his or her course of study or supervised training may be affected because-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (i) of the physical or mental health of the 5 student; or (ii) the student has an incapacity; or (iii) the student is an alcoholic or drug- dependent person; or (iv) the student has been charged with an 10 indictable offence or been convicted or found guilty of such an offence. (5) The Board may, in writing, appoint a member of the Board, a person employed by the Board or a registered medical practitioner to conduct a 15 preliminary investigation into the matter and delegate to the person its power to conduct a preliminary investigation, other than its power to make determinations upon a preliminary investigation. 20 (6) If the Board believes that the professional performance of a pharmacist may be unsatisfactory, the Board may, in writing, appoint a registered pharmacist to conduct a preliminary investigation into the matter and delegate to the 25 appointed pharmacist its power to conduct a preliminary investigation, other than its power to make determinations upon a preliminary investigation. (7) If the Board believes that a pharmacist may have 30 engaged in unprofessional conduct, the Board may, in writing, appoint one or more of the following-- (a) a person employed by the Board; 54 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 42 (b) a lawyer or investigator retained by the Board; (c) a sub-committee of the Board consisting of not more than 3 members of the Board-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents to conduct a preliminary investigation into the 5 matter. (8) The Board may delegate to the person or the members of the sub-committee appointed under sub-section (7) its power to conduct a preliminary investigation, other than its power to make 10 determinations upon a preliminary investigation. (9) The Board, of its own motion, may determine to conduct (with or without conducting a preliminary investigation)-- (a) a formal hearing into the ability of a 15 registered pharmacist to practise as a pharmacist; or (b) a formal hearing into the ability of a registered pharmacy student to undertake clinical training as part of his or her course 20 of study or supervised training; or (c) a review of the professional performance of a registered pharmacist; or (d) an informal or formal hearing into the professional conduct of a registered 25 pharmacist. 42. Request for conditions or suspension (1) A registered pharmacist who believes that-- (a) his or her ability to practise as a pharmacist is affected because-- 30 (i) of his or her physical or mental health; or 55 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 42 (ii) he or she has an incapacity; or (iii) he or she is an alcoholic or drug- dependent person; or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (b) he or she has engaged in unprofessional conduct; or 5 (c) his or her professional performance is unsatisfactory-- may ask the Board to suspend his or her registration or endorsement of registration or to impose a condition on the registration or 10 endorsement of registration. (2) A pharmacy student who believes that his or her ability to undertake clinical training as part of his or her course of study or supervised training is affected because-- 15 (a) of his or her physical or mental health; or (b) he or she has an incapacity; or (c) he or she is an alcoholic or drug-dependent person-- may ask the Board to suspend his or her 20 registration or to impose a condition on the registration. (3) If the Board and the pharmacist or student agree upon the condition to be imposed, the Board may impose it. 25 (4) If the Board and the pharmacist or student do not agree upon the condition to be imposed, the Board must refer the matter to a preliminary investigation under section 41. 56 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 43 43. Suspension of registration at any time (1) The Board may, at any time, suspend the registration of a pharmacist if the Board is of the opinion that it is necessary to do so because there Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents is a serious risk that the health and safety of the 5 public will be endangered because the Board believes that-- (a) the pharmacist's ability to practise as a pharmacist is affected; or (b) the pharmacist's professional performance is 10 unsatisfactory; or (c) the pharmacist has engaged in unprofessional conduct. (2) The Board may, at any time, suspend the registration of a pharmacy student if the Board is 15 of the opinion that it is necessary to do so because there is a serious risk that the health and safety of the public will be endangered because the Board believes that the pharmacy student's ability to undertake clinical training as part of his or her 20 course of study or supervised training is affected. (3) If the Board has suspended the registration of a pharmacist or pharmacy student, the registration is suspended until-- (a) any investigation or any hearing into the 25 matter is completed and the Board is of the opinion that there is no serious risk that the health and safety of the public will be endangered as a result of the pharmacist practising as a pharmacist or the pharmacy 30 student undertaking clinical training as part of his or her course of study or supervised training; or (b) the suspension is otherwise revoked. 57 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 44 (4) If the Board has suspended the registration of a pharmacist or pharmacy student, it must-- (a) immediately notify the following of that suspension-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (i) the pharmacist or student; and 5 (ii) the employer of the pharmacist or the person providing supervised training to the pharmacy student; and (b) ensure that the matter is investigated or heard as soon as possible after that suspension. 10 (5) In place of suspending a pharmacist or a pharmacy student under this section, the Board may seek and accept an agreement in writing from the pharmacist to alter the way in which he or she practises as a pharmacist or the pharmacy student 15 to alter the way in which he or she undertakes clinical training as part of his or her course of study or supervised training. 44. Agreements to amend, vary or revoke conditions or revoke suspensions 20 (1) The Board may, if the registered pharmacist or pharmacy student so agrees-- (a) amend, vary or revoke any condition imposed on the pharmacist's or pharmacy student's registration by the Board without 25 conducting an informal or formal hearing; or (b) revoke a suspension of the pharmacist's or pharmacy student's registration and impose a condition on the registration; or (c) revoke a suspension of the pharmacist's 30 registration if the pharmacist satisfies the Board that his or her ability to practise as a pharmacist is no longer affected; or 58 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 45 (d) revoke a suspension of the pharmacy student's registration if the pharmacy student satisfies the Board that his or her ability to undertake clinical training as part of his or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents her course of study or supervised training is 5 no longer affected. (2) If the Board and the registered pharmacist or registered pharmacy student fail to agree under sub-section (1), the Board may refer the matter to a formal hearing. 10 45. Notice of preliminary investigation into ability or professional performance (1) A person appointed to investigate-- (a) a registered pharmacist's ability to practise as a pharmacist or his or her professional 15 performance; or (b) a pharmacy student's ability to undertake clinical training as part of his or her course of study or supervised training-- must give notice of the preliminary investigation 20 to the pharmacist or pharmacy student. (2) A notice under sub-section (1) must-- (a) be in writing; and (b) be sent by registered post, as soon as practicable after the Board's decision to 25 conduct a preliminary investigation has been made; and (c) advise the pharmacist or student of the nature of the matter to be investigated; and (d) in the case of an investigation into the ability 30 of the pharmacist to practise as a pharmacist or of a pharmacy student to undertake clinical training as part of his or her course of study or supervised training, ask the 59 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 46 pharmacist or student to advise the Board as to whether or not he or she will agree to undergo a medical examination to assess his or her ability within 28 days of receiving the Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents notice; and 5 (e) in the case of an investigation into the professional performance of the pharmacist, if the person conducting the preliminary investigation believes a performance assessment of the pharmacist is necessary, 10 ask the pharmacist to advise the Board as to whether or not he or she will agree to undergo a performance assessment within 28 days of receiving the notice; and (f) advise the pharmacist or student of the 15 procedures that can be taken under this Part. Division 2--Specific provisions relating to the ability to practise or undertake clinical training 46. Medical examination (1) If the registered pharmacist or pharmacy student 20 agrees to undergo a medical examination in accordance with section 45(2)(d), the pharmacist or student must be examined by a registered medical practitioner who is agreed upon by the Board and the pharmacist or student. 25 (2) If the Board and the pharmacist or student are unable to agree upon a registered medical practitioner to conduct the examination, the Secretary must appoint a registered medical practitioner to perform the examination. 30 (3) The Board must pay for the examination. 60 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 47 47. Report of examination (1) The examining medical practitioner must give a report of his or her examination to the person appointed to investigate the matter, and, not more Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents than 7 days later, to the pharmacist or student 5 being investigated. (2) The person appointed to investigate the matter must discuss the report with the pharmacist or student, and, in the case of an adverse finding in the report, the possible ways of dealing with that 10 finding. (3) After discussing the report with the pharmacist or student, the person appointed to investigate the matter must report to the Board. (4) Despite sub-section (1), if the report contains 15 information of a medical or psychiatric nature concerning the pharmacist or student, and it appears to the person appointed to investigate the matter that the disclosure of that information to the pharmacist or student might be prejudicial to 20 the physical or mental health or well-being of the pharmacist or student, the person may decide not to give that information to the pharmacist or student but to give it instead to a registered medical practitioner and a registered pharmacist 25 nominated by that pharmacist or that student. (5) Before acting under sub-section (4), the person appointed to investigate the matter must report to the Board and, if the person is not a pharmacist and the Board is of the opinion that it is necessary 30 for the investigation of the matter to be continued by a pharmacist, the Board may appoint a pharmacist to continue the investigation. 61 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 48 48. Outcome of preliminary investigation (1) If, after considering the reports given under section 47, the Board decides that further action should be taken, the Board must ask the Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents pharmacist or student whether or not he or she is 5 prepared to agree to-- (a) in the case of a pharmacist, alter the way in which he or she practises as a pharmacist; or (b) in the case of a pharmacy student, alter the way in which he or she undertakes clinical 10 training as part of his or her course of study or supervised training; or (c) the imposition of conditions on his or her registration or endorsement of registration; or 15 (d) the suspension of his or her registration for the period of time specified by the Board. (2) The Board may take any action that is necessary to implement an agreement under sub-section (1). 49. Referral to a formal hearing 20 If a registered pharmacist or pharmacy student who is the subject of a preliminary investigation under this Part does not agree to undergo a medical examination referred to in section 45 or does not abide by an agreement to undergo such a 25 medical examination the Board may refer the matter to a formal hearing to be conducted in accordance with Division 5. 50. Findings and determinations of a formal hearing (1) After considering all the submissions made to a 30 formal hearing into the ability of a registered pharmacist to practise as a pharmacist or a pharmacy student to undertake clinical training, a panel established under Division 5 may find that-- 35 62 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 50 (a) the ability of the pharmacist to practise as a pharmacist is affected because-- (i) of the physical or mental health of the pharmacist; or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (ii) the pharmacist has an incapacity; or 5 (iii) the pharmacist is an alcoholic or drug- dependent person; or (b) the ability of the pharmacist to practise as a pharmacist is not affected; or (c) the ability of the pharmacy student to 10 undertake clinical training is affected because-- (i) of the physical or mental health of the pharmacy student; or (ii) the pharmacy student has an incapacity; 15 or (iii) the pharmacy student is an alcoholic or drug-dependent person; or (d) the ability of the pharmacy student to undertake clinical training is not affected. 20 (2) If the panel makes a finding under sub-section (1)(a) or (1)(c), the panel may make one or more of the following determinations-- (a) to impose any condition on the registration of the pharmacist or pharmacy student; 25 (b) to suspend the registration of the pharmacist or pharmacy student for the period and subject to the conditions, if any, specified in the determination. 63 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 51 (3) A determination of the Board under sub- section (2) with respect to a pharmacy student takes effect when notice of it is served on the pharmacy school where the student is enrolled or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents the person who is supervising the training of the 5 student. (4) A pharmacy student is not permitted to undertake clinical training contrary to the terms of a determination in force under this section. Division 3--Specific provisions relating to the professional 10 performance of pharmacists 51. Performance assessment (1) If a registered pharmacist agrees to undergo a performance assessment in accordance with section 45(2)(e), the pharmacist's performance 15 must be assessed by one or two registered pharmacists (the number of which is to be determined by the Board) who are not members of the Board and who are agreed upon by the Board and the pharmacist whose performance is to be 20 assessed. (2) If the Board and the pharmacist whose performance is to be assessed are unable to agree upon any pharmacist to conduct the assessment, the Secretary must appoint one or two registered 25 pharmacists (the number of which is to be determined by the Board) to perform the assessment. (3) The Board must pay for the assessment. 52. Report of assessment 30 (1) The assessing pharmacist or pharmacists must give a report of the assessment to the person appointed to investigate the matter and, not more than 7 days later, to the pharmacist being investigated. 35 64 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 53 (2) The person appointed to investigate the matter must discuss the report with the pharmacist being investigated and, in the case of an adverse finding in the report, the possible ways of dealing with Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents that finding, including whether the pharmacist is 5 prepared to alter the way in which he or she practises as a pharmacist. (3) After discussing the report with the pharmacist being investigated, the person appointed to investigate the matter must report to the Board 10 and make recommendations. 53. Refusal to attend or co-operate If a registered pharmacist who is the subject of a preliminary investigation into his or her professional performance-- 15 (a) does not agree to undergo a performance assessment; or (b) does not abide by an agreement to undergo a performance assessment-- the Board may refer the matter to a performance 20 review or an informal or formal hearing. 54. Outcome of preliminary investigation into a pharmacist's professional performance (1) If, after considering any report given under section 52, the Board decides that further action 25 should be taken, the Board may make one or more of the following determinations-- (a) that the pharmacist's performance be reviewed by a performance review panel; (b) that an informal or formal hearing be held 30 under Division 4 or Division 5; 65 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 55 (c) that the pharmacist undergo a medical examination; (d) that the pharmacist undergo counselling; Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (e) that the pharmacist alter the way in which he or she practises as a pharmacist; 5 (f) that the pharmacist undertake and complete specified further education or training within a specified period. (2) Despite sub-section (1), the Board may, after considering any report given under section 52, 10 enter into an agreement with the pharmacist to do any of the things referred to in sub-section (1)(c), (d), (e) or (f). 55. Establishment and notice of a performance review panel 15 If the Board has determined that a pharmacist's professional performance should be reviewed by a performance review panel under section 41(9)(c) or 54(1)(a), the Board may-- (a) appoint a performance review panel to 20 review that pharmacist's professional performance; and (b) fix a time and place for the review of the performance to be conducted; and (c) serve a notice on the pharmacist by 25 registered post which complies with section 45; and (d) serve a notice on any notifier by registered post under section 83(5)(a) and (b). 66 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 56 56. Constitution of a performance review panel (1) A performance review panel appointed under section 55 must consist of not less than 2 persons who must not be members of the Board-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (a) of whom 1 is to be a registered pharmacist 5 with extensive experience and qualifications in the type of pharmacy services provided by the pharmacist whose performance is under review; and (b) of whom at least 1 is to be a person who is 10 not a pharmacist. (2) The following persons are not entitled to be members of a performance review panel-- (a) a person who conducted a preliminary investigation of the pharmacist whose 15 performance is under review; (b) a person who conducted a performance assessment of the pharmacist whose performance is under review. 57. Conduct of a performance review panel 20 (1) The procedure of a performance review panel is in its discretion and the proceedings-- (a) must be conducted with as little formality and technicality as the requirements of this Act and the proper consideration of the 25 matter permit; and (b) must not be open to the public. (2) A performance review panel must cease reviewing a pharmacist's professional performance and refer the matter to the Board if the panel is of the 30 opinion that-- 67 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 58 (a) the pharmacist's performance raises a significant issue of public health or safety; or (b) the pharmacist may have engaged in unprofessional conduct of a serious nature. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents 58. Outcome of a performance review panel's review 5 (1) Upon completing a review of the professional performance of a registered pharmacist, the performance review panel must give to the Board a report with its recommendations. (2) After considering the report given under sub- 10 section (1), the Board may make one or more of the following determinations-- (a) that no further action be taken; (b) that the matter be referred to a formal hearing; 15 (c) that the pharmacist undergo a medical examination to assess the ability of the pharmacist to practise as a pharmacist; (d) that the pharmacist undergo counselling; (e) that any condition be imposed on the 20 pharmacist's registration or endorsement of registration; (f) that the pharmacist alter the way in which he or she practises as a pharmacist; (g) that the pharmacist undertake and complete 25 specified further education or training within a specified period. 68 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 59 59. Referral to a medical examination or a formal hearing (1) The Board may, at any time during the assessment of a pharmacist's professional performance by a Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents registered pharmacist or the review of a 5 pharmacist's professional performance by a performance review panel, direct the pharmacist to undergo a medical examination to assess his or her ability to practise as a pharmacist, if the Board is of the opinion that his or her ability to practise 10 is affected. (2) The Board must refer a matter arising out of an investigation of a pharmacist's professional performance to a formal hearing if the Board is of the opinion that-- 15 (a) the matter raises a significant issue of public health or safety; or (b) the pharmacist may have engaged in unprofessional conduct of a serious nature. (3) If a matter is referred to a hearing under this 20 section, any assessment of the pharmacist's professional performance by a registered pharmacist or any review of the pharmacist's professional performance by a performance review panel must be abandoned. 25 60. Request for a formal hearing by a pharmacist If, before the end of an assessment of a pharmacist's professional performance by a registered pharmacist or a review by a performance review panel, the pharmacist 30 requests that a formal hearing be held-- (a) the performance assessment or review must be abandoned; and (b) the Board must refer the matter to a formal hearing. 35 69 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 61 Division 4--Specific provisions relating to the professional conduct of pharmacists 61. Outcome of a preliminary investigation Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (1) Upon completing a preliminary investigation into the professional conduct of a registered 5 pharmacist, the person or sub-committee appointed by the Board to conduct the investigation may make one of the following recommendations-- (a) that the investigation into the matter not 10 proceed further; (b) that an informal or formal hearing be held into the matter; (c) that the pharmacist undergo a medical examination; 15 (d) that the pharmacists's performance be assessed by a pharmacist or reviewed by a performance review panel. (2) The Board must determine whether or not to act on the recommendations of the person or sub- 20 committee appointed by the Board to conduct the preliminary investigation. 62. Establishment and notice of an informal hearing If the Board has determined that an informal hearing be held into the professional conduct of a 25 registered pharmacist under this Part, the Board-- (a) must appoint a panel to hold the hearing; and (b) must fix a time and place for the hearing to be held; and (c) must by registered post, serve a notice on the 30 pharmacist which complies with section 64; and 70 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 63 (d) may serve notice on any notifier by registered post under section 83(5)(a) and (b). 63. Constitution of a panel for an informal hearing Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (1) A panel appointed under section 62 is to consist of 5 not more than 3 persons-- (a) who, subject to sub-section (2), are to be members of the Board; and (b) of whom at least 1 is to be a registered pharmacist and one is to be a person who is 10 not a pharmacist. (2) If-- (a) the Board is unable to appoint a panel because there are not enough members available to sit on it; or 15 (b) the Board is of the opinion that a person with special expertise is required for the hearing-- the President or, in the absence of the President, the Deputy President may fill the vacant positions 20 on the panel by appointing persons who are not members of the Board from a list of persons approved by the Governor in Council under sub- section (4). (3) A person is not entitled to be a member of the 25 panel if the person-- (a) has undertaken a preliminary investigation of the matter; or (b) was appointed under section 51 to assess the pharmacist's professional performance; or 30 (c) was a member of a performance review panel appointed under section 55 to review the pharmacist's professional performance. 71 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 64 (4) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may approve persons who are not members of the Board to be available to be appointed to a panel under sub-section (2). Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents 64. Notice of an informal hearing 5 A notice of an informal hearing under section 62 must-- (a) state the nature of the hearing and the allegations made against the pharmacist; and (b) give the time and place of the hearing; and 10 (c) state that the pharmacist may choose to have the matter determined by a formal hearing and state the differences between a formal and informal hearing; and (d) state that-- 15 (i) there is no right to legal representation at the hearing; and (ii) the pharmacist is entitled to be present and to make submissions and to be accompanied by another person; and 20 (iii) the hearing is not open to the public; and (e) list the possible findings the panel can make or orders the panel can give. 65. Conduct of an informal hearing 25 At an informal hearing-- (a) the panel must hear and determine the matter before it; and (b) the pharmacist who is the subject of the hearing is entitled to be present, to make 30 submissions and to be accompanied by another person but is not entitled to be represented; and 72 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 66 (c) the proceedings of the hearing must not be open to the public. 66. Findings and determinations of an informal hearing Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (1) After considering all the submissions made to the hearing the panel may find either-- 5 (a) that the pharmacist has, whether by act or omission, engaged in unprofessional conduct which is not of a serious nature; or (b) that the pharmacist has not engaged in unprofessional conduct. 10 (2) If the panel finds that the pharmacist has, whether by act or omission, engaged in unprofessional conduct which is not of a serious nature, the panel may make one or more of the following determinations-- 15 (a) that the pharmacist undergo counselling; (b) that the pharmacist undertake and complete specified education or training within a specified period; (c) that the pharmacist be cautioned; 20 (d) that the pharmacist be reprimanded; (e) that the pharmacist's registration be subject to a condition imposed by the Board. 67. Change of informal hearing to formal hearing during course of hearing 25 If, before the end of the hearing-- (a) the pharmacist who is the subject of the hearing fails to attend the hearing without good cause; or (b) the pharmacist requests that a formal hearing 30 be held; or 73 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 68 (c) the panel is of the opinion that a formal hearing should be held-- the panel must abandon the informal hearing and refer the matter to a formal hearing. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents 68. Request for formal hearing upon completion of 5 informal hearing Upon the completion of an informal hearing, the pharmacist who was the subject of the hearing may request that a formal hearing be held to review any findings and determinations of the 10 informal hearing. 69. Finding and determinations of a formal hearing into conduct (1) After considering all the submissions made to a formal hearing into the professional conduct of a 15 registered pharmacist, the panel appointed under Division 5 to conduct the hearing may find that-- (a) the pharmacist has, whether by act or omission, engaged in unprofessional conduct of a serious nature; or 20 (b) the pharmacist has, whether by act or omission, engaged in unprofessional conduct which is not of a serious nature; or (c) the pharmacist has not engaged in unprofessional conduct. 25 (2) If the panel finds that the pharmacist has, whether by act or omission, engaged in unprofessional conduct of a serious nature, the panel may make one or more of the following determinations-- (a) require the pharmacist to undergo 30 counselling; (b) caution the pharmacist; 74 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 69 (c) reprimand the pharmacist; (d) require the pharmacist to undertake and complete specified further education or training within a specified period; Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (e) impose any condition on the registration or 5 endorsement of registration of the pharmacist; (f) impose a fine on the pharmacist of not more than $10 000; (g) suspend the registration of the pharmacist for 10 the period specified in the determination; (h) cancel the registration of the pharmacist; (i) disqualify the pharmacist from applying for registration under section 4 within a specified period if the pharmacist's 15 registration is cancelled by the Board or by a pharmacist registration authority of another State or Territory of the Commonwealth or of New Zealand; (j) require the pharmacist to pay the reasonable 20 costs and the expenses of the Board in the conduct of the formal hearing. (3) If the panel finds under sub-section (1)(b) that the pharmacist has, whether by act or omission, engaged in unprofessional conduct which is not of 25 a serious nature, the panel may make any determination which a panel at an informal hearing is able to make upon such a finding. (4) The panel must not impose a fine if the conduct that is the subject of the finding has resulted in a 30 fine being imposed by another tribunal or court of law. 75 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 70 (5) If the panel has made a determination under sub- section (2)(a), (d), (f) or (j) and the pharmacist has not complied with the determination-- (a) if the pharmacist does not apply for a review Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents of the decision under Part 5 within 30 days 5 after the last date on which the pharmacist could apply in accordance with Part 5 for a review of the decision; or (b) if the pharmacist applied in accordance with Part 5 for a review of the decision and on 10 review the decision of the Board was affirmed, within 30 days after the decision to affirm-- the Board may suspend the pharmacist's registration until the determination is complied 15 with. (6) Any fine or costs are recoverable at law by the Board even though the Board has not exercised any of its other powers. (7) An order for a fine or costs under sub-section (2) 20 may be filed in the Magistrates' Court and may be enforced as an order of the court. 70. Investigation may continue even if a person is no longer registered (1) The Board may-- 25 (a) conduct an investigation into a notification referred to in section 38(2) and make a finding or determination under this Part; (b) conduct a hearing and make a finding or determination under this Part in relation to a 30 notification referred to in section 38(2)-- as if the person referred to in that notification were a registered pharmacist. 76 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 71 (2) The Board may-- (a) conduct or continue to conduct an investigation into the professional conduct of a person who has ceased to be a registered Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents pharmacist but who was a registered 5 pharmacist at the time a notification was made or the Board had determined to conduct an investigation into the conduct and make a finding or determination under this Part; 10 (b) conduct or continue to conduct a hearing and make a finding or determination under this Part in relation to a person who has ceased to be a registered pharmacist but who was a registered pharmacist at the time the Board 15 had determined to conduct the hearing-- as if the person were a registered pharmacist. Division 5--Special provisions relating to hearings 71. Application of Division This Division applies to hearings in relation to-- 20 (a) the ability of registered pharmacists to practise as pharmacists; or (b) the ability of pharmacy students to undertake clinical training as part of their course of study or supervised training; and 25 (c) the professional conduct of pharmacists. 72. Establishment and notice of formal hearing If-- (a) the Board has determined that a formal hearing be held under this Part or has 30 referred a matter to a formal hearing under this Part; or 77 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 73 (b) a pharmacist has requested a formal hearing under section 67 or 68; or (c) a panel has referred a matter to a formal hearing under this Part-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents the Board must-- 5 (d) appoint a panel to hold the hearing; and (e) fix a time and place for the hearing to be conducted; and (f) serve a notice on the pharmacist or student by registered post which complies with 10 section 74; and (g) serve a notice on any notifier by registered post under section 83(5)(a) and (b). 73. Constitution of a hearing panel for a formal hearing (1) A panel appointed under section 72 must consist 15 of not less than 3 persons-- (a) who, subject to sub-section (2), are to be members of the Board; and (b) of whom one is to be a lawyer and at least one is to be a registered pharmacist. 20 (2) If-- (a) the Board is unable to appoint a panel because there are not enough members available to sit on it; or (b) the Board is of the opinion that a person with 25 special expertise is required for the hearing-- the President or, in the absence of the President, the Deputy President may fill the vacant positions on the panel by appointing persons who are not 30 members of the Board from a list of persons approved by the Governor in Council under sub- section (4). 78 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 74 (3) The following persons are not entitled to be members of a panel for a formal hearing-- (a) a person who has undertaken a preliminary investigation of the matter which is the Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents subject of the hearing; 5 (b) a person who has been a member of a panel which held an informal hearing into the matter; (c) a person appointed under section 51 to assess the pharmacist's professional performance; 10 (d) a person who was a member of a performance review panel appointed under section 55 to review the pharmacist's professional performance; (e) a person appointed to conduct a preliminary 15 conference under section 75. (4) The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, may approve persons who are not members of the Board to be available to be appointed to a panel under sub-section (2). 20 74. Notice of a formal hearing A notice of a formal hearing under section 72 must-- (a) state the nature of the hearing and the allegations made against the pharmacist or 25 pharmacy student; (b) give the time and place of the hearing; (c) state that the pharmacist or pharmacy student has a right to make submissions and to be represented; 30 (d) state that the hearing is open to the public; 79 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 75 (e) list the possible findings the panel can make; (f) state that there is a right to apply for review of the panel's findings. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents 75. Preliminary conferences (1) The Board may, at any time before a formal 5 hearing, require the pharmacist or pharmacy student to attend one or more preliminary conferences with a person appointed by the Board. (2) The Board must not appoint a person who is a member of the Board or a hearing panel to 10 conduct a preliminary conference. (3) The functions of a preliminary conference are to-- (a) identify and clarify the nature of the issues in dispute in the matter; 15 (b) identify the issues to be considered or determined by the panel; (c) allow guidance to be given concerning the conduct of the matter. (4) The Board must give notice of the preliminary 20 conference to the pharmacist or pharmacy student. (5) A preliminary conference must be held in private unless the person presiding directs otherwise. (6) Subject to this Act, the procedure for a preliminary conference is at the discretion of the 25 person presiding. 76. Personal attendance may be required The Board may require a pharmacist or pharmacy student to attend a preliminary conference personally or by a representative. 30 80 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 77 77. Conduct of a formal hearing At a formal hearing-- (a) the hearing panel must hear and determine Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents the matter before it; and (b) the pharmacist or student who is the subject 5 of the hearing is entitled to be present, to make submissions and to be represented; and (c) if the hearing arises out of a notification made under section 38, the identity of the notifier is not to be published or broadcast 10 and the notifier-- (i) in the case of a proceeding which has not been closed under paragraph (d), is entitled to be present; and (ii) if not called as a witness, may make 15 submissions with the permission of the Board; and (d) the proceedings are to be open to the public unless the panel determines that the proceedings should be closed because the 20 hearing is taking evidence of intimate, personal or financial matters and, if the panel has determined that the proceedings are closed, the panel may determine that the identity of any witness giving evidence in the 25 proceedings is not to be published or broadcast; and (e) the panel may determine that any information that might enable the registered pharmacist or pharmacy student who is the 30 subject of the hearing to be identified must not be published or broadcast prior to the making of a final determination if the panel considers it necessary to do so to avoid prejudicing the administration of justice or 35 81 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 78 for any other reason in the interests of justice. Division 6--General provisions relating to hearings Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents 78. Procedure at formal and informal hearings (1) At a formal or informal hearing-- 5 (a) subject to this Part, the procedure of a panel is in its discretion; and (b) the proceedings must be conducted with as little formality and technicality as the requirements of this Act and the proper 10 consideration of the matter permit; and (c) a panel is not bound by rules of evidence but may inform itself in any way it thinks fit; and (d) a panel is bound by the rules of natural justice. 15 (2) Despite sub-section (1)(d), a panel may, when conducting a hearing into a pharmacist's ability to practise as a pharmacist or a pharmacist's professional conduct, consider any report about the pharmacist's professional performance made 20 for the purposes of a performance assessment or performance review under Division 3. 79. Powers of panel conducting a formal hearing Sections 14, 15, 16 and 21A of the Evidence Act 1958 apply to a panel in the conduct of a formal 25 hearing as if it were a Board or the Chairman of a Board appointed by the Governor in Council. 82 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 80 80. Determinations (1) A determination made by a panel on a hearing comes into operation on its making or at any later time stated in the determination. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (2) A determination of a panel is to have effect as if it 5 were a determination of the Board. (3) If a fine is imposed by a panel it may be recovered by the Board as a debt due to the Board. 81. Removal of suspension or condition (1) If the Board has suspended the registration of a 10 pharmacist or pharmacy student until the completion of a hearing, and at the completion of the hearing the panel determines that the suspension should be removed, the Board must remove the suspension. 15 (2) If a condition has been imposed on the registration of a pharmacist or pharmacy student, and at the completion of a hearing the panel determines that the condition should be removed, the Board must remove that condition. 20 82. Reasons for determinations of panel or Board (1) A panel must give reasons for a determination made under this Part to the pharmacist or pharmacy student who is the subject of the determination within 28 days of the making of the 25 determination. (2) A person whose interests are affected by a determination of a panel may apply to the panel for the reasons for that determination. (3) An application under sub-section (2) must be 30 made within 45 days of the making of the determination. 83 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 83 (4) The panel must give the reasons to the person referred to in sub-section (2) within 45 days of receiving the application. 83. Notice of findings, determinations and hearings Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (1) If a determination has been made by a panel-- 5 (a) imposing conditions on the registration or endorsement of registration of a pharmacist; or (b) suspending the registration of a pharmacist; or 10 (c) cancelling the registration of a pharmacist-- the Board must give notice of the determination-- (d) in the Government Gazette; and (e) to the pharmacist registration authorities in all other States or Territories of the 15 Commonwealth and in New Zealand; and (f) to the Health Services Commissioner; and (g) if the pharmacist is an employee, to his or her employer; and (h) to any Commonwealth body responsible for 20 the funding of pharmacy services; and (i) if the Board has received a request for information about the person in respect of whom the determination has been made from a pharmacist registration authority outside 25 Australia, that authority. (2) If a determination has been made by a panel-- (a) imposing any condition on a pharmacy student undertaking clinical training as part of his or her course of study or supervised 30 training; or 84 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 84 (b) prohibiting a pharmacy student from undertaking clinical training as part of his or her course of study or supervised training for the period specified-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents the Board must give notice of the determination to 5 the person providing the course of study in which the student is enrolled or the person who is supervising the training of the student. (3) Notice under sub-section (1) or (2) must be given as soon as practicable after the determination has 10 been made. (4) No action in defamation lies against the Board or its members for giving a notice under this section. (5) If a notification has been made to the Board, the Board must notify the notifier-- 15 (a) of whether or not a formal or informal hearing is to be conducted into the matter and, if so, of the time and place of the hearing and, in the case of a formal hearing, of the fact that the notifier's identity is not to 20 be published or broadcast; and (b) in the case of a formal or informal hearing, of whether or not the notifier may make submissions at the hearing; and (c) of the findings and determinations of any 25 hearing arising from that notification and the reasons for those findings and determinations, within 28 days of their having been made. 84. Offence to disclose information identifying a notifier 30 A person must not publish or broadcast or cause to be published or broadcast any report of a formal hearing under this Part that contains information that would enable-- (a) the notifier to be identified; or 35 85 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 4--Investigations s. 85 (b) if the panel has made a determination prohibiting the publication or broadcast of the identity of a witness, that witness to be identified; or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (c) if the panel has made a determination 5 prohibiting the publication or broadcast of the identity of the registered pharmacist or pharmacy student before the making of a final determination, that pharmacist or student to be identified prior to the making 10 of the final determination-- unless the notifier, witness, pharmacist or student has, before publication or broadcast, consented to this. Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural 15 person and 120 penalty units in the case of a body corporate. 85. Terms and conditions of appointment of panel members (1) A member of a panel is appointed on the terms 20 and conditions determined by the Board for that member. (2) A member of a panel, other than a member who is an employee of the public service within the meaning of the Public Sector Management and 25 Employment Act 1998, is entitled to receive the fees that are fixed from time to time by the Governor in Council for members of panels. (3) A member of a panel is entitled to receive the allowances that are fixed from time to time by the 30 Governor in Council. (4) In fixing fees under sub-section (2), the Governor in Council may fix different fees for different classes of case. __________________ 35 86 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 5--Review by VCAT s. 86 PART 5--REVIEW BY VCAT 86. Review by Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (1) A person whose interests are affected by the relevant decision, finding or determination may 5 apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for review of-- (a) a decision to refuse a person's application for registration or renewal of registration; or (b) a decision to refuse a person's application for 10 endorsement of registration under section 11 or for renewal of that endorsement; or (c) a decision to impose a condition on a person's registration or endorsement of registration otherwise than by agreement or 15 by determination at an informal hearing; or (d) a decision to cancel the interim registration of a pharmacist or pharmacy student under section 9(5); or (e) a decision to cancel the registration or 20 endorsement of registration of a pharmacist or the registration of a pharmacy student in proceedings under section 19(3); or (f) a decision to suspend the registration of a pharmacist, if the Board has not instituted an 25 investigation into the professional conduct, professional performance or ability to practise of that pharmacist within a reasonable time of having suspended that registration; or 30 (g) a decision to suspend the registration of a pharmacy student, if the Board has not instituted an investigation into the ability of the student to undertake clinical training 87 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 5--Review by VCAT s. 86 within a reasonable time of having suspended that registration; or (h) a finding or determination made at a formal hearing under Part 4; or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (i) a decision to accept under section 43(5) an 5 agreement by a pharmacist to alter the way in which he or she practises as a pharmacist if the Board has not instituted an investigation into the pharmacist's professional conduct or ability to practise 10 within a reasonable time after having accepted the agreement; or (j) a decision to accept under section 43(5) an agreement by a pharmacy student to alter the way in which he or she undertakes clinical 15 training if the Board has not instituted an investigation into the ability of the student to undertake clinical training within a reasonable time after having accepted the agreement; or 20 (k) a decision to refuse a person's application for approval under Part 3; or (l) a decision to impose conditions on an approval under Part 3; or (m) a decision to revoke an approval under 25 Part 3. (2) The application must be made within 28 days of the date on which the Board gives notice of the decision, finding or determination to the person concerned. 30 (3) If a finding has been made at a formal hearing under Part 4 but no final determination has been made at that hearing, an application for review under this section can only be made with the leave of the Tribunal. 35 88 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 5--Review by VCAT s. 87 87. Notification If a decision, finding or determination has been reviewed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Board must notify Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents any person who was notified of the original 5 decision, finding or determination of any change to that decision, finding or determination by the Tribunal. __________________ 89 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 88 PART 6--OFFENCES AND REGULATED CONDUCT 88. Claims by persons as to registration Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (1) A person who is not a registered pharmacist must not-- (a) take or use the title of "registered 5 pharmacist", "pharmacist", "registered pharmaceutical chemist", "pharmaceutical chemist" or any other title calculated to induce a belief that the person is registered under this Act; or 10 (b) claim to be registered under this Act or hold himself or herself out as being registered under this Act; or (c) carry out any act which is required to be carried out by a registered pharmacist by or 15 under an Act; or (d) claim to be qualified to practise as a pharmacist. Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person and 120 penalty units in the case 20 of a body corporate. (2) A registered pharmacy student and a pharmacist whose registration is specific, interim or non- practising must not claim to have, or hold himself or herself out as having registration of the type not 25 granted to that person. Penalty: 60 penalty units. (3) A person whose registration is not endorsed under section 11 must not-- (a) take or use any title calculated to induce a 30 belief that the pharmacist's registration is endorsed under section 11; or 90 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 88 (b) claim to have or hold himself or herself out as having a registration that is endorsed under section 11. Penalty: 60 penalty units. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (4) A registered pharmacist whose registration is 5 subject to a condition must not-- (a) take or use any title calculated to induce a belief that the pharmacist's registration is not subject to a condition; or (b) claim to have or hold himself or herself out 10 as having a registration which is not subject to any condition. Penalty: 60 penalty units. (5) A person must not hold out another person as being registered under this Act, if the person 15 knows or ought reasonably to know that the other person is not so registered. Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person and 120 penalty units in the case of a body corporate. 20 (6) Sub-section (1)(b), (c) and (d) does not apply to a registered pharmacy student who is providing pharmacy services in accordance with the student's registration under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. 25 (7) This section does not apply to-- (a) the use of a name or a title, in respect of a pharmacy business, by a person who is approved under section 26 to carry on the pharmacy business if the pharmacy services 30 are provided by or under the supervision of a registered pharmacist; 91 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 89 (b) the use of a name or a title by or in relation to a museum if-- (i) the words are used to identify premises where items relating to the history of Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents pharmacy are exhibited; and 5 (ii) pharmacy services are not provided from those premises; (c) the giving or performance of any pharmacy service by a person registered as a pharmacist under the law in force in another 10 State or Territory or New Zealand in an emergency if no other registered pharmacist is available. (8) A registered pharmacist who-- (a) carries on a pharmacy business; and 15 (b) does not personally provide pharmacy services from the pharmacy-- is not to be treated for the purpose of this Act as practising as a pharmacist in respect of that pharmacy business. 20 89. Pharmacy students A person is not entitled to undertake clinical training in a pharmacy or a pharmacy department as part of a course of study or training referred to in section 5 or 17 unless-- 25 (a) the clinical training is supervised by a registered pharmacist and approved by the Board; and (b) the person is a registered pharmacy student or a registered pharmacist under this Act. 30 92 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 90 90. Claims by persons as to approval (1) A person must not use the title "pharmacy", "pharmacy practice" or "pharmacy business" except in relation to a pharmacy or pharmacy Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents business approved to operate under section 26. 5 Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person and 120 penalty units in the case of a body corporate. (2) This section does not apply to the use of a name or a title by or in relation to-- 10 (a) a museum if-- (i) the words are used to identify premises where items relating to the history of pharmacy are exhibited; and (ii) pharmacy services are not provided 15 from those premises; or . (b) a teaching institution providing a course of study in pharmacy practice; or (c) professional associations representing registered pharmacists; or 20 (d) any other person or body in circumstances approved by the Board and notified in the Government Gazette and any publication circulating generally among registered pharmacists. 25 91. Fraud, forgery etc. A person must not-- (a) fraudulently or by false representation or declaration (either orally or in writing) obtain registration or approval under this 30 Act; or 93 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 92 (b) fraudulently or by false representation (either orally or in writing) procure any person to be registered or approved under this Act; or (c) forge, counterfeit or alter any certificate of Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents registration under this Act or any degree, 5 diploma or other evidence of qualifications for registration under this Act; or (d) aid in the commission of an offence under paragraph (a), (b) or (c). Penalty: 120 penalty units or imprisonment for a 10 period of 1 year or both. 92. Undue influence A provision in a bill of sale, mortgage, lease or in any other commercial arrangement in respect of a pharmacy or pharmacy business that gives to any 15 person other than the person approved under section 26 to carry on the pharmacy business-- (a) the right to control the manner in which the pharmacy business is carried on; or (b) the right of access to books of accounts kept 20 in respect of that business, otherwise than for the purpose of determining whether or not the conditions of the relevant document are being complied with; or (c) the right to receive any consideration that 25 varies according to the profits or takings in respect of the business-- is void. 94 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 93 93. Offence of directing or inciting unprofessional conduct (1) A person must not direct or incite a registered pharmacist to do any thing, in the course of Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents providing pharmacy services, that would 5 constitute unprofessional conduct. Penalty: 240 penalty units in the case of a natural person and 600 penalty units in the case of a body corporate. (2) If a body corporate commits an offence against 10 sub-section (1), any officer of the body corporate or any person who was concerned in or who takes part in the management of that body corporate who was in any way, by act or omission, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in or party to 15 the commission of the offence is also guilty of that offence and liable to the penalty for it, irrespective of whether the body corporate has been prosecuted for, or convicted or found guilty of, the offence. 20 (3) If a court convicts or finds a person guilty of an offence against this section, the Clerk or other proper officer of the court must notify the Board and the Secretary in writing of the conviction or finding. 25 (4) This section does not apply to the employer of a registered pharmacist providing pharmacy services from a pharmacy department if the employer is a registered funded agency, private hospital or privately-operated hospital within the 30 meaning of the Health Services Act 1988. 95 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 94 94. Convicted offenders may be prohibited from carrying on pharmacy business (1) The Board or the Secretary may by notice in writing given to a person who has been convicted Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents of or found guilty of an offence against section 93 5 prohibit the person from owning or having a proprietary interest in a pharmacy business or from carrying on a pharmacy business. (2) The prohibition may be expressed to apply-- (a) for a fixed period (in which case the 10 prohibition remains in force only for that fixed period); or (b) for an unlimited period subject to an entitlement to apply after a specified time for the lifting of the prohibition (in which case 15 the prohibition remains in force until it is lifted); or (c) to specified premises. (3) A prohibition may not be imposed under this section unless the Board or the Secretary is of the 20 opinion that the person is not a fit and proper person to carry on a pharmacy business. (4) The Board or the Secretary is entitled to presume, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that a person who has been convicted of or found guilty 25 of an offence against section 93 on 2 or more occasions in any period of 10 years is not a fit and proper person to carry on a pharmacy business. (5) A prohibition under this section may be limited in its operation in the following ways-- 30 (a) it may be limited to specified premises, but only if the person concerned carries on a pharmacy business at those premises and at other premises; 96 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 95 (b) it may be limited to premises within a specified area; (c) it may be limited in any other way specified by the Board or the Secretary. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (6) If a prohibition under this section is subject to an 5 entitlement to apply after a specified time for the prohibition to be lifted, the application may be made to the Board or the Secretary after that time. (7) The Board or the Secretary may lift the prohibition or confirm the prohibition and set a 10 further period after which an application for the prohibition to be lifted can be made under this section. 95. Offence of carrying on pharmacy business while prohibited 15 A person must not in contravention of a prohibition under this Part own or have a proprietary interest in a pharmacy business or carry on a pharmacy business. Penalty: 240 penalty units in the case of a 20 natural person and 600 penalty units in the case of a body corporate. 96. Effect of appeal against conviction A prohibition under this Part has no effect while an appeal is pending against the conviction or 25 finding of guilt for the offence on which the prohibition is based. 97. Power to require information from convicted persons (1) If a body corporate is convicted of or found guilty 30 of an offence against section 93 or 95 the Board or the Secretary may require certain persons to provide specified information to the Board or the Secretary, as provided by this section. 97 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 97 (2) The body corporate may be required to provide information that the Board or the Secretary may reasonably require to ascertain the identity of each person who is an officer of the body corporate or Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents is concerned in or takes part in the management of 5 the body corporate. (3) A person whom the Board or the Secretary reasonably believes is an officer of the body corporate or is concerned in or takes part in the management of the body corporate may be 10 required to provide information that the Board or the Secretary may reasonably require to ascertain the identity of each body corporate in which that person has a management role. (4) A requirement to provide information is to be 15 imposed by direction in writing served on the person or body corporate concerned. (5) The direction must specify a period of not less than 7 days as the period within which the required information must be provided. 20 (6) A person must not fail without reasonable excuse to comply with a requirement under this section. Penalty: 120 penalty units in the case of a natural person and 240 penalty units in the case of a body corporate. 25 (7) A person must not provide information that the person believes is false or misleading in a material particular. Penalty: 240 penalty units in the case of a natural person and 600 penalty units in 30 the case of a body corporate. 98 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 98 98. Register of prohibitions (1) The Board must cause to be kept and published a register of all persons who are prohibited under section 94 from owning or having a proprietary Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents interest in, or carrying on a pharmacy business. 5 (2) The following particulars must be included on the register against the name of the person to whom they apply-- (a) any current prohibition under section 94; (b) the period for which the prohibition is in 10 force; (c) if the prohibition is limited to specified premises, the address or a description of those premises; (d) if the prohibition is limited to premises in a 15 specified area, a description of the area; (e) if the prohibition is limited in any other way by the Board or the Secretary, a description of that limitation. (3) The register may be inspected at the office of the 20 Board by any person during ordinary office hours without charge. (4) A person may obtain a copy of or an extract from the register without charge. 99. Evidentiary certificate 25 A certificate purporting to be signed by the President or any 2 members of the Board to the effect that the person specified in the certificate is or was prohibited under this Part from owning or having a proprietary interest in, or carrying on a 30 pharmacy business during a period specified in the certificate is evidence, and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is proof of the matters stated in it. 99 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 100 100. Secretary to notify Board of prohibitions If the Secretary has given notice of a prohibition under section 94, the Secretary must advise the Board of that prohibition. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents 101. Advertising 5 (1) A person must not advertise a pharmacy, pharmacy business or pharmacy services in a manner which-- (a) is or is intended to be false, misleading or deceptive; or 10 (b) offers a discount, gift or other inducement to attract clients to a pharmacy, pharmacist or pharmacy business unless the advertisement also sets out the terms and conditions of that offer; or 15 (c) refers to, uses or quotes from testimonials or purported testimonials; or (d) creates an unreasonable expectation of beneficial treatment; or (e) directly or indirectly encourages the 20 indiscriminate or unnecessary use of medicines. Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person and 120 penalty units in the case of a body corporate. 25 (2) If a body corporate contravenes sub-section (1), an officer of the body corporate or any person who is concerned in or takes part in the management of that body corporate who was, in any way, by act or omission, directly or indirectly, 30 knowingly concerned in or party to the commission of the offence also commits an offence under sub-section (1) and is liable for the penalty applicable to a natural person for that offence. 35 100 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 102 (3) A person who, in good faith, publishes or prints an advertisement which contravenes sub-section (1) on behalf of another person, is not guilty of an offence under that sub-section. Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (4) A person who advertises a pharmacy, pharmacy 5 business or pharmacy services in a manner otherwise than in compliance with this section is guilty of a continuing offence and may be convicted in respect of each day on which the offence continues. 10 102. Advertising guidelines (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, by notice published in the Government Gazette, issue guidelines about the minimum standards 15 formulated by the Board and approved by the Minister for or with respect to the advertising of pharmacies, pharmacy businesses or pharmacy services. (2) The Board must consult with any person 20 nominated by the Minister in formulating guidelines for the consideration of the Minister. (3) The Board must ensure that any guidelines that it has formulated for approval of the Minister have been notified with a request for public comment in 25 the Government Gazette, a newspaper circulating generally throughout Victoria and in any professional magazine, newsletter or journal circulating amongst pharmacists in Victoria at least 60 days before the guidelines are forwarded 30 to the Minister for consideration. (4) The Board must have regard to any comments received in response to a notice under this section in formulating guidelines for the approval of the Minister. 35 101 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 6--Offences and Regulated Conduct s. 103 (5) The Board must have regard to any guidelines issued by the Governor in Council under this section. (6) A court may have regard to any guidelines issued Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents by the Governor in Council under this section. 5 103. Power of the courts to require corrective advertising If, on the application of the Minister a court is satisfied that there has been a contravention of section 101(1)(a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) the court may make either or both of the following orders-- 10 (a) an order requiring any person involved in the contravention to disclose any information which is in the person's possession or to which the person has access, which is information or of a class of information 15 specified in the order-- (i) to the public or any person or class of persons specified in the order; and (ii) in the manner specified in the order; (b) an order requiring any person involved in the 20 contravention to publish an advertisement in the terms specified or determined in accordance with the order-- (i) at the expense of the person; and (ii) in the manner and at the times specified 25 in the order. __________________ 102 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 7--Administration s. 104 PART 7--ADMINISTRATION 104. Establishment of Board Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (1) There is established the Pharmacy Board of Victoria. (2) The Board-- 5 (a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and (b) has a common seal; and (c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name; and 10 (d) may acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property; and (e) may do and suffer all acts and things that a body corporate may, by law, do and suffer. (3) The common seal must be kept as directed by the 15 Board and must not be used except as authorised by the Board. (4) All courts must take judicial notice of the seal of the Board on a document and, until the contrary is proved, must presume that the document was 20 properly sealed. 105. Powers, functions and consultation requirements (1) The Board has the following functions-- (a) to register persons who comply with the requirements of this Act for registration so 25 that they may practise as pharmacists or undertake clinical training in Victoria; (b) to approve courses of study and clinical training in pharmacy practice that provide qualifications for registration as pharmacists; 30 103 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 7--Administration s. 105 (c) to regulate the standards of pharmacy practice in the public interest; (d) to investigate the professional conduct, professional performance or ability Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents to practise of registered pharmacists and 5 impose sanctions where necessary; (e) to investigate the ability of pharmacy students to undertake clinical training and impose sanctions where necessary; (f) to issue and publish codes for the guidance 10 of registered pharmacists and registered pharmacy students about standards recommended by the Board relating to the provision of pharmacy services and about professional performance; 15 (g) to issue and publish guidelines about the minimum terms and conditions of professional indemnity insurance for registered pharmacists; (h) to approve pharmacies, pharmacy 20 businesses, pharmacy departments and pharmacy depots; (i) to initiate, promote, support or participate in programs that the Board considers will improve pharmacists' ability to practise as 25 pharmacists and pharmacy students' ability to undertake clinical training as part of their course of study or supervised training without being affected by any matter referred to in section 41(4) and to protect the public 30 from those pharmacists or students and to provide funding for those programs; (j) to advise the Minister on any matters relating to its functions; 104 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 7--Administration s. 106 (k) to report to the Minister any concern that the Board has about the health system in Victoria that arises from the Board carrying out its functions under this Act; Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (l) when so requested by the Minister, give to 5 the Minister any information reasonably required by the Minister; (m) any other functions conferred on the Board by this Act. (2) The Board has all the powers necessary to enable 10 it to perform its functions. (3) In carrying out its functions and exercising its powers, the Board must-- (a) consult with the Minister and have regard to the Minister's advice; and 15 (b) have regard to the following objectives-- (i) to promote the safe prescribing, dispensing and use of medicines; (ii) to minimise the community's exposure to health risks associated with the 20 provision of pharmacy services; (iii) to promote the community's access to pharmacy services. (4) The Board must consult with the Minister and registered pharmacists before publishing any 25 codes referred to in sub-section (1)(f). 106. Membership of the Board (1) The Board consists of at least 10 and not more than 12 members nominated by the Minister and appointed by the Governor in Council. 30 105 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 7--Administration s. 107 (2) Of the persons appointed to the Board-- (a) 6 must be registered pharmacists; and (b) 1 must be a lawyer; and Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (c) 3 must be persons who are not pharmacists. 107. Terms of office 5 (1) A member of the Board holds office for the period, not exceeding 3 years, that is specified in the instrument of appointment of the member. (2) A member of the Board is eligible for reappointment. 10 (3) The Public Sector Management and Employment Act 1998 (except in accordance with Part 7 of that Act) does not apply to a member in respect of the office of member. (4) Despite sub-section (1) and anything to the 15 contrary in the member's instrument of appointment, a member may, with the consent of the Minister, continue to hold office at the end of his or her appointment for a period not exceeding 3 months to enable the vacancy in the member's 20 office to be filled. 108. Resignation and removal (1) A member of the Board ceases to be a member if he or she is absent, without leave first being granted by the Board, from 3 consecutive 25 meetings of which reasonable notice has been given to that member, either personally or by post. (2) A member of the Board may resign the office of member by writing signed by the member and addressed to the Minister. 30 (3) The Governor in Council may at any time remove a member of the Board from office. 106 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 7--Administration s. 109 (4) If a member of the Board dies, resigns or is removed from office, the Governor in Council may, in accordance with this Act, on the recommendation of the Minister, fill the vacant Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents office. 5 (5) A member appointed under sub-section (4) holds office for the rest of the term of appointment of the member whose place he or she fills. 109. President and Deputy President (1) The Governor in Council may appoint members of 10 the Board to be President and Deputy President of the Board. (2) A person appointed to an office under sub- section (1) holds office for the term specified in his or her instrument of appointment and is 15 eligible for reappointment. (3) A person appointed to an office under sub- section (1) may resign that office by writing signed by the person and addressed to the Governor in Council. 20 (4) The Governor in Council may at any time remove a person appointed under sub-section (1) from office. (5) A person appointed to an office under sub- section (1) ceases to hold that office on ceasing to 25 be a member of the Board. 110. Acting member (1) If a member of the Board is unable to perform the duties or functions of the office, the Governor in Council may appoint a person qualified to be 30 appointed as that member to act as the member during the period of inability. 107 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 7--Administration s. 111 (2) The Governor in Council-- (a) subject to this Act, may determine the terms and conditions of appointment of an acting member; and Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (b) may at any time terminate the appointment. 5 (3) While the appointment of an acting member remains in force, the acting member has and may exercise all the powers and perform all the duties and functions of the member. 111. Payment of members 10 (1) A member or acting member of the Board, other than a member who is an employee of the public service within the meaning of the Public Sector Management and Employment Act 1998, is entitled to receive the fees that are fixed from time 15 to time by the Governor in Council for that member. (2) Each member or acting member of the Board is entitled to receive the allowances that are fixed from time to time by the Governor in Council. 20 112. Procedure of Board (1) The President or, in the absence of the President, the Deputy President, must preside at a meeting of the Board at which he or she is present. (2) If neither the President nor Deputy President are 25 present at a meeting the members present may elect a member to preside at the meeting. (3) The person presiding at a meeting has a deliberative vote and a second or casting vote. (4) A majority of the members of the Board currently 30 holding office constitutes a quorum. (5) Subject to this Act the Board may regulate its own proceedings. 108 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 7--Administration s. 113 113. Effect of vacancy or defect An act or decision of the Board is not invalid only because-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (a) of a vacancy in its membership; or (b) of a defect or irregularity in the appointment 5 of any of its members; or (c) in the case of an acting member, the occasion for that member so acting had not arisen or had ceased. 114. Member's interests 10 (1) A member who has a pecuniary or other interest in any matter in which the Board is concerned must-- (a) if the member is present at a meeting of the Board at which the matter is to be 15 considered, disclose the nature of the interest immediately before the consideration of that matter; or (b) if the member is aware that the matter is to be considered at a meeting of the Board at 20 which the member does not intend to be present, disclose the nature of the interest to the President or Deputy President of the Board before the meeting is held. (2) The member-- 25 (a) may take part in the discussion in the meeting; and (b) must leave the meeting while any vote is taken on a question relating to the matter. 109 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 7--Administration s. 115 115. Resolutions without meetings (1) If-- (a) the Board has taken reasonable steps to give Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents notice to each member setting out the terms of a proposed resolution; and 5 (b) a majority of the members for the time being sign a document containing a statement that they are in favour of the resolution in the terms set out in the document-- a resolution in those terms is deemed to have been 10 passed at a meeting of the Board held on the day on which the document is signed or, if the members referred to in paragraph (b) do not sign it on the same day, on the day on which the last of those members signs the document. 15 (2) If a resolution is, under sub-section (1), deemed to have been passed at a meeting of the Board, each member must as soon as practicable be advised of the matter and given a copy of the resolution. (3) For the purposes of sub-section (1), 2 or more 20 separate documents containing a statement in identical terms, each of which is signed by one or more members, are deemed to constitute one document. (4) The majority of members referred to in sub- 25 section (1)(b) must not include a member who, because of section 114, is not entitled to vote on the resolution. (5) This section does not apply to any resolution of the Board relating to a matter being considered 30 under Part 4. 110 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 7--Administration s. 116 116. Approved methods of communication for Board (1) If not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board for the time being holding office so agree, a meeting of the Board may be held by means of a Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents method of communication, or by means of a 5 combination of methods of communication, approved by the President of the Board for the purposes of that meeting. (2) For the purposes of this Part, a member of the Board who participates in a meeting held as 10 permitted by sub-section (1) is present at the meeting even if he or she is not physically present at the same place as another member participating in the meeting. (3) This section-- 15 (a) applies to a meeting or a part of a meeting; (b) does not apply to a meeting conducted for the purposes of Part 4. 117. Immunity (1) A member of the Board, the Registrar or a 20 member of a panel appointed by the Board to exercise powers or discharge duties under this Act is not personally liable for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith-- (a) in the exercise of a power or the discharge of 25 a duty under this Act; or (b) in the reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the exercise of a power or the discharge of a duty under this Act. (2) Any liability resulting from an act or omission 30 that would but for sub-section (1), attach to a member of the Board, the Registrar or the member of the panel, attaches instead to the Board. 111 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 7--Administration s. 118 118. Staff The Board may employ a person to be responsible for maintaining the Register and any other persons that are necessary for the purposes of Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents administering this Act. 5 119. Delegation The Board may, in writing, delegate to-- (a) a member of the Board; or (b) the person responsible for maintaining the Register or any other member of the staff of 10 the Board-- its powers and functions under this Act, other than-- (c) the power to refuse to grant or refuse to renew registration or endorsement of 15 registration; or (d) the power to impose or to amend, vary or revoke conditions on registration or endorsement of registration; or (e) the power to refuse to approve an application 20 under Part 3 or revoke an approval under Part 3; or (f) the power to conduct any hearing or to make any determination under Part 2 or Part 4; or (g) this power to delegate. 25 __________________ 112 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 8--Reporting and Financial Provisions s. 120 PART 8--REPORTING AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 120. Pharmacy Board Fund Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (1) The Board must establish and keep a Pharmacy Board Fund. (2) All fees, fines and penalties paid or recovered by 5 the Board under this Act must be paid into the Fund. (3) The Board must pay any other money received by it into the Fund, including income from the investments of the Fund. 10 (4) Out of the Fund, the Board must pay-- (a) the expenses incurred by it in carrying out its functions, powers and duties; and (b) expenses incurred in initiating, promoting, supporting or participating in programs 15 referred to in section 105(1)(i) and providing funding for those programs; and (c) any other expenses incurred in the administration of this Act; and (d) any payments to be made to members of the 20 Board under this Act and any payments to be made to other persons under this Act; and (e) any other payments recommended by the Board and approved by the Minister. 121. Investment powers 25 The Board may invest money credited to the Fund that it does not immediately require-- (a) in any manner in which money may be invested under the Trustee Act 1958; or (b) in any other manner that the Minister 30 approves. 113 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 8--Reporting and Financial Provisions s. 122 122. Powers of Board in relation to fees (1) In the case of any fee which the Board is empowered to fix under this Act-- Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (a) the Board must fix the fee for a period of 12 months and may amend or vary the fee at 5 the end of that period; and (b) the Board may fix a different fee for a different case and may allow for the reduction, waiver or refund, in whole or in part, of any fee; and 10 (c) the Board must publish any fee it has fixed in the Government Gazette. (2) In fixing fees under this Act the Board is entitled to ensure that the amount of money collected in fees under this Act is sufficient to cover the cost 15 to the Board of administering this Act. 123. Repayment of advances (1) The Board must pay into the Public Account any amounts that the Minister administering section 14 of the Financial Management Act 20 1994, in consultation with the Treasurer, determines are required to repay advances from the Public Account for the operation of the Board. (2) Payments under sub-section (1) must be made in accordance with any other terms and conditions 25 from time to time determined by the Minister administering section 14 of the Financial Management Act 1994 in consultation with the Treasurer. (3) The Board must, as and when directed to do so by 30 the Minister administering section 14 of the Financial Management Act 1994, provide a plan for the repayment of advances referred to in sub- section (1). 114 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 8--Reporting and Financial Provisions s. 123 (4) The Board must at any time that the Minister administering section 14 of the Financial Management Act 1994 directs it to do so, report to that Minister in writing on its progress in Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents making payments under sub-section (1). 5 __________________ 115 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 9--Enforcement and Supplementary Provisions s. 124 PART 9--ENFORCEMENT AND SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS 124. Proceedings for offences Victorian Legislation Parliamentary Documents (1) The Registrar or any other person employed by the Board under section 118 who is authorised by 5 the Board may take proceedings under this Act in the name of the Board. (2) Any prosecution instituted in the name of the Board must, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be taken to have been instituted by the 10 Board. (3) A person authorised by the Secretary under the Health Act 1958 may, in addition to any other person referred to in sub-section (1), take proceedings for an offence against section 93, 95 15 or 97. 125. Authorisation of persons to assist in enforcement (1) The Board may authorise the Registrar or any other person employed by the Board under section 118 to carry out the functions and exercise 20 powers under this Part. (2) A person authorised by the Secretary under the Health Act 1958, in relation to a contravention of section 93, 95 or 97, may carry out the functions and may exercise the powers of a person 25 authorised by the Board for the purposes of this Part. 126. Identification (1) The Board must issue an identification card to each person authorised by the Board to carry out 30 functions and exercise powers under this Part for the purposes of this Act. 116 551162B.I1-14/5/2004 BILL LA CIRCULATION 14/5/2004

 


 

Pharmacy Practice Act 2004 Act No. Part 9--Enforcement and