WORK on reviewing and updating the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia has now started, with the first program advisory group meeting taking place yesterday.
Commissioned by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), through the Pharmacy Board of Australia, the review is critical to modernising the standards that underpin safe, ethical, and effective pharmacist practice.
The standards outline the integrated knowledge, skills, and attributes required across a pharmacist's career, and with the previous review completed in 2016, it comes at a critical time, with rapid changes in the health and pharmacy landscape.
Chair of the review's project advisory group, Associate Professor Fei Sim, reflected on the importance of the competency standards for the profession.
"This review is timely and considers contemporary pharmacy practice and the evolving needs of the profession to serve our patients, communities, and health system," Assoc Prof Sim said.
"As pharmacists' scope of practice continues to evolve, the revised framework reflects the professional expectations of modern pharmacy practice," she explained.
"The profession owns the Competency Standards, and the Competency Standards exist to serve the profession.
"We look forward to working closely with relevant stakeholders, including all pharmacy organisations, pharmacists across all areas of practice and consumer bodies, to ensure pharmacists remain supported in maintaining competence, planning meaningful CPD, and continuing their professional development throughout their careers."
The first program advisory group meeting brought together a diverse and experienced representation of pharmacists, educators, students, researchers, First Nations and consumer organisations looking to shape the future of pharmacy practice.
Assoc Prof Sim encouraged all pharmacists to engage in the process by completing a survey that will inform the development of the first draft of the review.
The survey will remain open until 17 Apr 2026, and is available HERE.
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