4. The Responsible Pharmacist

A pharmacist must be in charge of a registered pharmacy, as the responsible pharmacist (RP), to lawfully conduct a retail pharmacy business.

There can only be one RP in charge at any one time, and the pharmacist can only be in charge of one registered premises at any one time.

Legislation for the role and responsibilities of RPs is set out in the Medicines Act 1968 (as amended by the Health Act 2006) and the Pharmacy (Responsible Pharmacists, Superintendent Pharmacists, etc.) Order 2022 (revoked the Medicines (Pharmacies) (Responsible Pharmacist) Regulations 2028).