GPhC publishes new position statement on the use of AI

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has released a new position statement on the use of artificial intelligence in pharmacy, supported by additional guidance covering education, training and revalidation.

The regulator says AI is becoming increasingly embedded across healthcare and pharmacy services, and its updated position sets out how innovation can be enabled while ensuring patient safety and public trust. It confirms that pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy owners must continue to meet all GPhC standards when using AI, including maintaining professional judgement and remaining personally accountable for decisions made with the support of AI tools.

The statement also stresses the importance of transparency. Pharmacy professionals are expected to explain to patients when AI is being used in their care, outline any risks or benefits, and ensure confidentiality is protected.

GPhC Chief Executive Kathie Cashell said AI “has the potential to support improvements in pharmacy services and patient care,” but also brings new challenges. She noted that the regulator will continue to develop its work on AI as technologies evolve, including through future reviews of professional and pharmacy standards, and by collaborating with other health and care regulators.

Alongside the main statement, the GPhC has published advice on the use of AI in pharmacy education and training, aimed at helping providers and learners use AI ethically and transparently while maintaining academic integrity. This guidance references a joint statement from five statutory health and care regulators, setting out principles for the use of AI in educational programmes.

A second document outlines appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI in revalidation submissions, reinforcing the need for honesty and professional integrity.

All documents are available on the GPhC website.

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