FAQ: What is the difference between a practising and non-practising pharmacist?

Question: What is the difference between a practising and non-practising pharmacist?

Answer:

What is a Practising Pharmacist?

A Practising Pharmacist is defined as any person designated on the applicable register as a person who is currently performing any one or more of the services or acts relating to the scope of practice of the category in which he or she is registered or intends to perform such function. In terms of Board Notice 174 of 2019, practising pharmacists should submit at least six (6) CPD entries by 31 December of every year, starting in 2020.

What is a Non-Practising Pharmacist?

A Non-Practising defined as any person designated on the applicable register as a person who is not currently performing any one of the services or acts relating to the scope of practice of the category in which he or she is registered and does not intend to do so. Non-practising pharmacists are under no obligation to submit CPD entries.

As a non-practising pharmacist, is there any benefit to submitting CPD entries?

Absolutely. For starters, it is important to keep abreast with changes in the practice environment to ensure continuous development and sustained competence. Another advantage to keeping pace with the changes in the profession is that should you decide to resume performing acts relating to the scope of practice of a pharmacist you will not feel out of place.

The pharmacist, patients and the profession all benefit when pharmacists undergo continuing professional development (CPD).