UK: Pharmacists’ Defence Association releases guidance on AI implications for pharmacy
The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has issued supplementary guidance on the implications of the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare’s recommendations for pharmacy practice, emphasizing that pharmacists cannot bear sole responsibility for ensuring the safe use of artificial intelligence. While pharmacists remain accountable for their professional decisions and must maintain meaningful oversight of AI-supported processes, the PDA argues that responsibility for managing AI-related risks must be shared among technology manufacturers, healthcare organizations, and professional regulators. The guidance highlights the need for pharmacists to have adequate information, competence, visibility, authority, and organizational support to evaluate AI-assisted decisions. It also clarifies that the commission’s recommendations do not introduce new legal or professional requirements, and pharmacists should continue following existing standards related to professional accountability, transparency, training, oversight, and risk management.