Who is in charge
The licensee, the pharmacist in charge, supervision whenever the pharmacy is open, and what must be reported to the VPA.
Version 4 · approved 27 Sept 2026 by Sam Nguyen
The licensee's responsibility
The licensee is responsible for how the pharmacy is run, whether or not they are on site. They should keep an active, ongoing interest in how the pharmacy is being conducted — through visits and staff meetings often enough to know — and step in to address any imminent safety risk, or anything not being done properly. They make sure everyone who provides a service here, pharmacist or not, is suitably qualified and legally able to provide it. These responsibilities cannot be handed to a co-owner or an employee, including the pharmacist in charge. To reach the licensee about something urgent: 0413 662 907.
Regulator guidance PBA Guidelines on the safe provision of pharmacy services s1 (Note for proprietor pharmacists) · VPA Guidelines G1.2.5 · VPA Standard 1.1.1
The pharmacist regularly and usually in charge
Our PRUIC is Marisa Toldo. The VPA is notified of the appointment, and of any change (form VP32).
Legal requirement VPA Standard 1.2.1(a)–(c) · VPA Circular 26
What being PRUIC means
A pharmacist can be PRUIC of only one pharmacy at a time. The PRUIC should work a majority of the pharmacy's standard hours, on a regular, ongoing basis.
Regulator guidance VPA Guidelines G1.2.1
When the PRUIC is away
If the PRUIC will be away for more than 28 days, Daniel Okonkwo — 0412 884 301 should be appointed PRUIC for that time and the VPA should be told (form VP32). For shorter absences, a registered pharmacist should always be on duty and in charge — Daniel Okonkwo — 0412 884 301 is who to call first.
Regulator guidance VPA Circular 26
Recording who's covering
Where we record who's covering: The dispensary daybook, front page. That way every shift can check who's in charge without guessing.
Pharmacy's own choice VPA self-audit 1.2.4
A pharmacist present whenever open
The pharmacy is personally supervised by a registered pharmacist, physically present, at all times it is open. If no pharmacist is present, the pharmacy does not open, or it closes. Staff do not trade "until the pharmacist arrives". The pharmacist oversees the area where pharmacy services are provided.
Legal requirement Pharmacy Regulation Act s 30 · VPA self-audit 1.1.2 · VPA Standards FAQ Q10
When the pharmacy is closed
No one enters the pharmacy while it is closed unless a registered pharmacist is present. That includes staff, cleaners and contractors.
Legal requirement Pharmacy Regulation Act s 31 · VPA Circular 26 · VPA self-audit 1.1.2
Names on display
The licensee's name as shown on the VPA public register — and, for a company, its directors' names — should be displayed at every public entrance, visible from the street or walkway. The PRUIC's name should be displayed as PRUIC in the professional service area or where medicines are collected — Marisa Toldo — and the sign should change the same day the PRUIC changes. Every pharmacist on duty should be identifiable by name, matching their registered name — a name badge is enough. Customers should be able to easily tell who is staff and what each person's role is (for example, from their badge).
Regulator guidance VPA Guidelines G1.2.1.1 · VPA self-audit 1.1.1 · 1.2.1 and 1.2.4
What we tell the VPA, and when
- If the licensee is a company, a change of director, shareholder or office holder: within 14 days. - A change to the pharmacy's registered business name: within 14 days. - A change of PRUIC: notified to the VPA (form VP32). - A change to a commercial arrangement affecting the business: told to the VPA before it takes effect (form VP31). - Closing the business: at least 14 days before (form VP34).
Legal requirement Pharmacy Regulation Act ss 25 and 27 · VPA Guidelines (Introduction) · VPA Standard 1.2.1 · VPA Circular 26 · VPA self-audit 1.1.1 · VPA ownership guidance
Any other business at the premises
No other person or business carries on any business or activity at the pharmacy unless the VPA has approved it or the licence permits it. If in doubt, ask the VPA before agreeing to anything. Approval is sought on VPA form VP43. An approval belongs to the licence: if the pharmacy changes hands, the new licensee must apply again.
Legal requirement Pharmacy Regulation Act s 24 · VPA Circular 30
Checks that go with this policy
- VPA public register details — Yearly
Earlier versions kept for the record: v3, v2, v1.
PharmPolicy supports compliance. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the licensee's own judgement or obligations under the Pharmacy Regulation Act 2010 and other laws.