The revised Code of Ethics for Pharmacists reflects the realities of contemporary practice, with new focus areas including wellbeing, professional boundaries, cultural safety, collaboration and artificial intelligence (AI). PDL was pleased to contribute to the review through representation on the PSA Project Advisory Group, helping ensure the Code addresses the ethical challenges pharmacists encounter in everyday practice.
Accompanying the Code is the new GUIDE framework – an ethical decision-making tool, and a suite of practical case studies covering topics such as medicinal cannabis, prescribing for family members, medicine shortages and the use of AI in pharmacy practice. Together, these resources provide pharmacists with a structured approach to working through ethical dilemmas and articulating professional reasoning in challenging situations. They may be particularly valuable for exam preparation, as well as for managing incidents, complaints, regulatory notifications and investigations.
To support implementation, PSA is hosting a national webinar on Tuesday 21 July and two dedicated sessions at PSA26 on Saturday 1 August, providing opportunities to explore the key changes and discuss their application in real world settings.
Developed through extensive consultation across the profession and broader healthcare sector, the revised Code is more than a document. It is a practical resource designed to support sound judgement, build professional confidence and help pharmacists respond to the evolving demands of modern practice.
