PharmaEd

Module 1: Foundations of Pharmacy Law and Ethics

This introductory module establishes the framework for understanding legal responsibilities in pharmacy practice. Topics include sources of pharmacy law, the pharmacist-patient relationship, fiduciary duties, and foundational ethical principles.

Participants will explore the interplay between law and ethics, understanding how legal standards establish minimum requirements while ethical principles often exceed these minimums. Case studies will illustrate key concepts.

Module 2: Professional Liability and Malpractice

This module examines the elements of pharmacy malpractice, the legal theories under which pharmacists can be held liable, and the pharmacist's duty of care. Topics include:

• Understanding negligence claims and their requirements
• Common pharmacy malpractice case types
• The role of expert testimony in pharmacy malpractice cases
• Documentation standards and legal defensibility

Real case examples will illustrate how legal principles apply to pharmacy practice situations.

Module 3: Medication Errors and Risk Management

This module addresses medication error prevention, detection, and response from both legal and ethical perspectives. Participants will learn:

• Categories of medication errors and their legal implications
• Implementing effective error reporting and disclosure practices
• Root cause analysis and system-based improvements
• Legal protections for error reporting (Good Samaritan laws)
• Ethical considerations when medication errors occur

Module 4: Ethical Frameworks for Pharmacy Decision Making

This module provides practical tools for addressing ethical dilemmas in pharmacy practice. Participants will:

• Apply major ethical theories to pharmacy practice scenarios
• Utilize structured ethical decision-making models
• Explore contemporary ethical challenges including conscientious objection, end-of-life issues, and allocation of scarce resources

Module 5: Legal Issues in Contemporary Pharmacy Practice

This forward-looking module examines emerging legal issues as pharmacy practice evolves. Topics include:

• Legal implications of expanded pharmacist prescribing authority
• Telepharmacy regulations and liability considerations
• Cannabis and controlled substance dispensing requirements
• Patient data privacy in the digital age (HIPAA and beyond)
• Emerging issues in specialty pharmacy practice

Module 6: Documentation and Communication in Legal Protection

This practical module focuses on how effective documentation and communication can protect both patients and pharmacists. Participants will learn:

• Essential documentation principles for pharmacy practice
• Effective communication strategies with patients and other healthcare providers
• Documenting patient counseling and interventions
• Establishing and maintaining practice policies and procedures

Accreditation and Credit Designation

This program has been approved for 12.0 contact hours (1.2 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education credit. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Universal Activity Number

XXXX-9999-22-999-H04-P

Release and Expiration Dates

Release Date: September 2023
Expiration Date: September 2026

Types of Credit

This knowledge-based activity is intended for pharmacists in all practice settings.

Target Audience

This continuing education program is designed for pharmacists seeking to enhance their understanding of legal and ethical issues in pharmacy practice, including community pharmacists, hospital pharmacists, clinical pharmacy specialists, and pharmacy managers.

Requirements for Credit

To receive continuing education credit, participants must complete all program modules, achieve a passing score of 70% on the post-assessment, and complete the program evaluation. Certificates will be available for immediate download upon successful completion of all requirements.