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The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has launched membership only professional liability insurance.

RPS members will be covered wherever they work and whether or not they are prescribers, the Society says. New members will be offered the policy as part of their membership package but can opt out if they wish.

Standard RPS membership fees including insurance are set out below. Different rates apply for newly qualified pharmacists (first and second years after qualification) and foundation trainees.

Standard membership with liability insurance

(Prices include insurance premium tax)

RPS’ Professional Liability Insurance is comprehensive and affordable, says the Society. It offers coverage across all aspects of pharmacy practice, including portfolio careers and prescribing.

Arranged by Aon, one of the world’s leading insurance brokers, it is offered at cost, with no profit taken by the RPS.

All members are covered for regulatory proceedings, Coroner’s inquests and fatal accident inquiries, criminal prosecution and civil proceedings, contract disputes and product Liability.

Employed members and Foundation trainees are also covered for contingent professional liability.

Self-employed members are aditionally covered for professional liability, medico-legal opinion liability, data liability, public liability and indemnity to principal.

Retired members no longer practising, overseas members and those working in Northern Ireland, pharmaceutical scientists and undergraduate students are not eligible for insurance.

The insurance will not cover wilful maltreatment of patients, euthanasia, the transmission of communicable diseases and work undertaken whilst under the influence of intoxicants or narcotics.

RPS chief executive Paul Bennett said: “The pharmacy landscape is changing rapidly. Advances in practice mean pharmacists are taking on expanded responsibilities to enhance patient care and we are proud to offer this new insurance policy as part of our commitment to supporting their professional development and confidence.

“By removing the barriers posed by uncertainty around liability, we aim to enable our members to practise at their full potential. This insurance supports safer practice and reflects our dedication to supporting pharmacists to deliver the highest standard of care for patients.”