Pharmacy

The Pharmacy Board of Victoria was established under the Pharmacy Act 1876 and currently operates under the Health Professions Registration Act 2005. It is responsible for the practice of pharmacists and the administration of pharmacy legislation in Victoria.

The Board
The Board is made up of 12 members nominated by the Minister for Health and appointed by the Governor in Council. Six members are registered pharmacists and one is a lawyer. The remaining five members represent other sectors of the community and health sectors.

Our Role
The primary role of the Pharmacy Board of Victoria is to protect the public. This is achieved by:

Registering qualified pharmacists and registering individuals to complete clinical training in Victoria;
Approving pharmacy courses and clinical training which result in qualifications for registration as pharmacists;
Initiating and promoting programs to improve pharmacists' ability to practice;
Regulating pharmacy practice standards to protect the community;
Issuing and publishing codes to guide registered pharmacists and pharmacy students in expected standards of pharmacy service and professional performance;
Investigating concerns about pharmacist conduct, performance and/or ability to practice and where appropriate conducting Professional Standards Panel hearings;
Approving the premises of pharmacies, pharmacy businesses, and pharmacy depots; and
Approving persons to establish and carry on a pharmacy business or pharmacy department.

One of the Pharmacy Board of Victoria's primary objectives is to be accessible to pharmacy professionals and consumers, providing information, education, support and ensuring the responsible management pharmacy practice in Victoria.

Assisting the Community
We aim to provide education and current health information to consumers about the appropriate use of medicines and explaining the role of pharmacist in helping individuals to manage their own and their family's health.

Assisting Pharmacists
In 2008, the Board introduced the continuing professional development program ENRICHVIC. The program is based on a successful South Australian program operating since 2004 and emphasises life-long learning principles.

Specifically ENRICHVIC assists Victorian pharmacists to undertake continuing professional development to meet the needs and expectations of the community in relation to pharmacy services.