Consultation opens for review of Pharmacist Code of Ethics

2 September 2025

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), in partnership with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, is seeking feedback from pharmacists and health sector stakeholders as it commences the consultation phase of renewing the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists.

The Code of Ethics is the fundamental resource articulating the values of the pharmacy profession and expected standards of ethical behaviour of pharmacists. The Code underpins the professional practice of all pharmacists in Australia.

The first project delivered as part of the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice, the revised Code of Ethics will better support pharmacists as they face increasingly complex ethical challenges.

Pharmacists from all areas of practice, all career stages and all Australian states and territories are invited to provide their views on the current Code, in particular its reflection of values and ethical standards and on emerging ethical issues.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said: “At the heart of our profession is our shared commitment to Care, Competency, and Integrity. These ethical values define who we are as pharmacists, guiding our decisions, shaping our relationships with patients, and underpinning the trust our communities place in us. It is these three values that are the foundation of the Pharmacists Code of Ethics.

“As pharmacy practice continues to grow and diversify, the ethical challenges we face also become more complex. New models of care, greater prescribing authority and the growing role of digital health all bring opportunities, but also new responsibilities.

Associate Professor Sim also praised the expertise of the Project Advisory Group (PAG), led by Dr Ayomide Ogundipe MPS.

“The PAG leading the Code of Ethics project are truly remarkable, including some of the world’s foremost leaders on health professional ethics, representatives of all Australian pharmacy organisations, and consumer voices.

“This breadth of expertise ensures the refreshed Code will be rigorous, practical, and responsive to the needs of our profession and the communities we serve.

“As we continue to work closely with the Department of Health, Ageing and Disability as part of the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice, we’re ensuring that the codes, standards and guidelines underpinning our profession remain fit-for-purpose now and into the future,” Associate Professor Sim said.

PAG Chair and Board Director Dr Ayomide Ogundipe MPS further encouraged pharmacists to participate in consultation.

“The Code of Ethics, last updated in 2017, must continue to evolve alongside the changing world in which we practise,” Dr Ogundipe said.

“Throughout this consultation phase we want to hear from a diverse range of pharmacists and stakeholders. That includes both members and non-members, pharmacists in rural, regional and metropolitan areas and in a range of practice settings, students and interns.

“There are a number of ways to get involved, whether you’re interested in joining an in-depth virtual workshop, the profession survey, or a one-on-one consultation discussion with our team. No matter how you want to get involved, we’d love to hear from you,” Dr Ogundipe concluded.

The pharmacist survey is open now, closing at 5pm AEST on Friday 10 October 2025. For more information on the Code of Ethics for Pharmacist project and to participate, visit www.psa.org.au/code-of-ethics-review/

Media contact:  Leah Robinson  M: 0421 659 040   E:  leah.robinson@psa.org.au