New legislation empowers pharmacy technicians to administer PGDs

The registration of pharmacy technicians in Northern Ireland remains an organisational priority for APTUK

In a landmark moment, registered pharmacy technicians can now supply and administer medicines under Patient Group Directions (PGDs).

This legislative change , announced earlier this year by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), amends the Human Medicines Regulations 2024 to include registered pharmacy technicians in England, Wales, and Scotland.

This change positions pharmacies as the primary point of care for various ailments and streamlines prescription medication delivery.

Welcoming the implementation of these long-awaited changes that started on June 26, President of APTUK, highlighted, "The expansion of scope of practice for the profession has been the culmination of years of work and lobbying, as well as engagement with the DHSC's consultation in 2023."

Acknowledging the limitations of the new powers, Stockmann noted that the legislative amendment does not currently extend to pharmacy technicians in Northern Ireland (NI).

However, APTUK remains committed to advocating for the registration and regulation of pharmacy technicians in NI to align with the broader UK framework.

"The registration of Pharmacy Technicians in Northern Ireland remains an organisational priority for APTUK," affirmed Stockmann.

As the professional leadership body for pharmacy technicians, APTUK has released the second in a series of resources aimed at educating and supporting all pharmacy technicians with their scope of practice amid these significant legislative changes.

Furthermore, healthcare professionals listed in PGDs must undergo specified training and receive authorisation from their provider organisation to practice under the PGD.

This established protocol ensures compliance and safety for those working under PGDs.

Recognized as a registered and independent profession, Pharmacy Technicians are also obligated to adhere to professional standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

They must engage in ongoing professional development relevant to their respective practice areas and responsibilities.

"Pharmacy Technicians, our professional potential has been recognised, and our time is now," declared APTUK.