What to expect in a Law and Ethics Interview
We will interview you if you are a pharmacist returning to practise or an overseas pharmacist from a specified country. This allows us to ensure you are ready to practise without conditions in New Zealand. The interview aims to ensure that you can practise competently and safely apply your knowledge of the legal and ethical aspects of New Zealand pharmacy.
This applies to pharmacists returning to practise in New Zealand and overseas pharmacists from Australia, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom and United States (the REQR route).
What we need you to demonstrate
We expect you to:
- demonstrate a professional attitude
- communicate clearly in English
- show you understand cultural requirements in a New Zealand pharmacy environment
- show you understand and can apply the legal, ethical and practical aspects of pharmacy practice in New Zealand
The professionalism we expect
We consider the hallmarks of professionalism to be:
- ethical decision making
- meeting patients’ needs and assuring safe outcomes
- taking accountability for your own work
- accepting responsibility and being aware of professional boundaries
- being trustworthy and showing leadership
- taking a problem-solving approach to your practice
- being committed to continuing professional development.
What to read before your interview
Relevant reading material to help you prepare for the interview includes these resources.
Cultural competence
Download the Pharmacy Council statement on Cultural Competence
Read Ministry of Health information on Māori health
Medicines and Misuse of Drugs legislation (Acts and Regulations)
Read the Medicines Regulations 1984
Read the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975
Health practitioner and consumer legislation
Read the Health Practitioners’ Competence Assurance Act 2003
Read the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights
You could read the Health & Disability Services Pharmacy Services Standard NZS8134.7:2010
Download the Health Information Privacy Code
Pharmacy Council standards and guidance
Download the Pharmacy Council Competence Standards
Download the Pharmacy Council Code of Ethics for Pharmacists
Download Social Media and the Pharmacy Profession
Prescribing and pharmacy procedures
Search the PHARMAC Pharmaceutical Schedule
Download the Community Pharmacy Services Pharmacy Procedures Manual
Download the Methadone Service Dispensing Protocol