Requirements for supervising pharmacists

We can ask registered pharmacists to supervise other pharmacists, such as:

• pharmacists who are returning to practise under categories 2–5 of the Return to Practice policy
• pharmacists who are registering in New Zealand through Recognised Equivalent Qualification (REQR) or the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA).
• any other pharmacists who we require to work under supervision.

If you’re a preceptor for intern pharmacists, a separate policy applies.

How we define supervision

We define supervision as monitoring and reporting on a pharmacist’s performance. A pharmacist under supervision carries out all the duties expected of them in the practice environment, as described in the scope of practice. The standard expected is set out in the competence standards.

After a period of direct supervision, both pharmacists can agree to a level of supervision that ensures safe practice, while allowing the supervisee to gain experience. The level of supervision can be changed as required.

The supervisee must ensure that they are covered by professional indemnity insurance. The cover required may vary according to the level of supervision in place and after the supervision has ended.

What we require of supervising pharmacists

Supervising pharmacists must:

• have at least 3 years of post-registration pharmacy experience; pharmacists who first registered in another country must have at least 1 year of experience after they registered in New Zealand
• hold a current annual practising certificate without conditions, or any voluntary undertaking
• be pursuing continuing professional development.

Supervising pharmacists must not:

• be under review for competence, health or conduct unless approved by us or a delegated committee
• have been found guilty of a disciplinary charge in the last 5 years
• have been the subject of a major complaint upheld by us in the last 5 years
• be the subject of three or more minor complaints in the last 5 years
• have been investigated by another statutory organisation in the last five years, such as the Health and Disability Commissioner, the Director of Proceedings, the Ministry of Health, or the police.

If the supervising pharmacist doesn’t meet the criteria above, we’ll review whether they should continue supervising. The Registrar may decide the pharmacist is no longer suitable to be a supervisor if public safety is at risk.