Passing your routine inspection

Routine inspection program

Pharmacy premises in NSW must meet legislated standards to ensure pharmacy services are delivered safely and competently. The Council is responsible for approving whether pharmacy premises meet these standards and we conduct a routine inspection program to ensure compliance. We also maintain a Register of Pharmacies and financial interest holders of NSW pharmacies.

The Health Practitioner Regulation (New South Wales) Regulation 2025 lists the equipment and publications expected in every approved premises. But pharmacies are also required to have on site any other equipment necessary to deliver safe and competent services. Over the past 12 months, our Council inspectors have observed key areas where pharmacies repeatedly failed to comply with the standards.

• Current versions of the Therapeutic Guidelines [digital] and Australian Medicines Handbook were not readily accessible.
• A sink with supply of hot and cold water was not available for the dispensary area.

Preparing in advance

We strongly encourage all proprietor pharmacists, as part of their Annual renewal and annual declaration, to review their policies or systems. This will help avoid your pharmacy premises being assessed as non-compliant.

Annual renewals and declarations