The General Pharmaceutical Council (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Rules Order of Council 2021

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends the General Pharmaceutical (Appeals Committee) Rules (contained in the Schedule to S.I. 2010/1614) (“the Appeals Committee Rules”), the General Pharmaceutical Council (Fitness to Practise and Disqualification etc.) Rules (contained in the schedule to S.I. 2010/1615) (“the Fitness to Practise Rules”), the General Pharmaceutical Council (Statutory Committees and their Advisers) Rules (contained in the Schedule to S.I. 2010/1616) (“the Statutory Committees Rules”) and the General Pharmaceutical Council (Registration Rules) Rules (contained in Schedule to the S.I. 2010/1617) (“the Registration Rules”).

Rule 2 of the Schedule amends the Appeals Committee Rules. The amendments—

• include that the word “attend” may mean, by teleconference or video link;

• insert a new rule to provide the power for hearings and meetings to be conducted by teleconference or video link;

• allow that the Committee may direct that meetings or hearings conducted remotely may take place in private;

• ensure that a Notice of Hearing must provide details of how to access any hearing which is being held using teleconference or video link;

• allow for the electronic service of documents by email to a party where that party has provided an email address to the council for communication.

Rule 3 of the Schedule amends the Fitness to Practise Rules. The amendments—

• provide that the word “attend” may mean, by teleconference or video link;

• insert a new rule to provide the power for hearings and meetings to be conducted by teleconference or video link;

• allow that the Committee may direct that meetings or hearings conducted remotely may take place in private;

• provide that a Notice of Hearing (including an interim order notice) must inform the person concerned of the details of how to access any hearing held by teleconference or video link;

• provide that where a registrant is neither present at the hearing or takes part remotely, and the Committee is satisfied service has been properly effected, the Committee may proceed to consider and determine the matter or allegation;

• allow for the electronic service of documents by email to a party where that party has provided an email address to the council for communication.

Rule 4 of the Schedule amends the Statutory Committee Rules so that rules 18, 18A and 18B provide for fewer committee panel members for fitness to practise, appeals, and statutory committees to be present for those committees to be quorate, where it is not possible.

Rule 5 of the Schedule amends the Registration Rules to allow for the electronic service of documents by email to a party where that party has provided an email address to the council for communication.