NEW legislation before the NSW State Parliament that will see individuals who assault pharmacy staff face stiff penalties, is being welcomed by professional bodies.
Under the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Assaults on Frontline Emergency and Health Workers) Bill 2022, perpetrators of attacks on pharmacists and pharmacy assistants will face up to seven years imprisonment (PD 11 Aug).
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) NSW Branch President, Chelsea Felkai, said the inclusion of community pharmacy workers in the Bill was welcome and a recognition of "the importance of supporting frontline healthcare workers".
"Community pharmacists are too often the subject of verbal and physical assaults in our workplaces," she said.
"The Assaults on Frontline Emergency and Health Workers Bill would make it an offence to harass, stalk, intimidate or obstruct the work of pharmacists and other healthcare workers.
"This is an important step in making pharmacies safer for everyone."
The legislation put before the NSW Legislative Assembly by Attorney General, Mark Speakman, has also been backed by Professional Pharmacists Australia (PPA) CEO, Jill McCabe.
"PPA welcomes the introduction of new laws to protect frontline emergency health workers, including pharmacists and pharmacy assistants," she said.
"During the pandemic they have worked tirelessly to help combat the impact of COVID-19, by administering vaccines and supplying rapid antigen tests, as well as continuing to deliver other health services.
"As frontline health professionals supporting the health and well-being of the community, pharmacists should never be subjected to physical, verbal or any other forms of abuse in the course of performing their work."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 12 Aug 22
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