Legal aspects of clinical pharmacy practice

Abstract

Recent trends in pharmacy have emphasized the concept of a more clinical professional role and a new level of skilled practice for pharmacists. These new roles and responsibilities create a number of legal questions concerning the clinical activities pharmacists can legally perform, and the liabilities pharmacists must bear in the performance or negligence of these duties. The law is not completely clear on all aspects of clinical pharmacy practice. This paper explores the legal basis of certain specific functions performed by pharmacists, and the inherent liabilities involved in the performance of these functions.