PDA urges pharmacists not to sign fit notes that lie beyond their scope of competence

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has advised completing mandatory training once available to those who wish to sign fit notes.

However, it advises pharmacists not to sign fit notes where the required therapeutic, diagnostic, or examination skills lie outside their scope of competence.

The association said: “The government guidance on fit notes only provides guidance for GPs, employers, hospital doctors, and occupational health practitioners. This excludes pharmacists.”

“The PDA’s understanding is that the healthcare professionals legally able to sign fit notes from 1 July 2022 must complete mandatory training before they start to do so. This e-learning is being developed by Health Education England and will be made available after 1 July 2022.”

The PDA expects further information and guidance to be available from 1 July 2022.

Pharmacists with questions and concerns or under pressure to sign fit notes prematurely are encouraged to contact the PDA at enquiries@the-pda.org.