What Is the Pharmacist's Code of Ethics?

Established in 1852, the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA, later renamed the American Pharmacists Association) was the first national organization for pharmacists. It uses the Pharmacist's Code of Ethics to help develop and maintain the professionalism of pharmacists.

History

• APhA established the present Pharmacist's Code of Ethics, the sixth version thus far, in 1994. The Idaho Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ISHP) reports the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy established the first such code in 1848.

Significance

• According to ISHP, the Pharmacist's Code of Ethics has evolved over time with the pharmaceutical profession. The current code is a formal statement of pharmacists' roles and responsibilities to patients, the public, medical professionals, other pharmacists and the pharmaceutical profession.

Size

• The Pharmacist's Code of Ethics consists of eight principles that pharmacists use as a guide for professional and ethical conduct.

Features

• According to ISHP, the eight principles concern autonomy and dignity, beneficence, competence, the covenantal relationship with patients, honesty and integrity, interaction with colleagues, justice and obligations.

Considerations

• ISHP states that the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, an international organization, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists both endorse the current Pharmacist's Code of Ethics.