APC announces retirement of CPD standards

The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) announces the upcoming cessation of the accreditation of CPD activities and the retirement of the Accreditation Standards for Continuing Professional Development Activities (2013). The standards have been used by CPD accrediting organisations to accredit CPD activities.

APC recognises that since the accreditation standards were developed, there has been a shift within the profession on expanded scope areas within different pharmacy settings. The decision to retire these standards aligns with the evolving needs of the sector.

Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Clark says the APC is ceasing CPD accreditation and retiring the standards to bring APC into alignment with the broader CPD accreditation landscape.

'The Pharmacy Board of Australia does not mandate the need for CPD to be accredited by a third party. We also understand that they are intending to commence public consultation on their draft revised CPD Registration Standards shortly, and so the retirement of APC's standards is timely”.

'APC is the trusted, independent authority that accredits pharmacy education programs and training in Australia. We maintain deep oversight of our accreditation process with degree programs, intern training programs, and pharmacist education programs - including education programs in Medicines Management Review, Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist programs, and Pharmacist Prescriber programs,' concluded Ms Clark.

Transition plan for impacted CPD accrediting organisations

APC acknowledges that numerous, well-established CPD providers have activities that are available in the sector and are confident that this important work will continue to be provided.

APC has worked closely with their CPD accrediting organisations - Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Advanced Pharmacy Australia and the Australasian College of Pharmacy - in the development of a transition plan. In summary, CPD accreditation by the three organisations of activities against the APC standards may continue until December 31^st 2025, after which this activity will cease. APC will retain the CPD standards on their website for reference and accredited programs may continue to use the APC logos on their promotional material until 31^st December 2026.

Support for pharmacists during transition

For participants who have enrolled in an accredited CPD activity, this activity will remain accredited until the accreditation expiry date. For further information about expiry dates for individual activities, we recommend that individuals contact the education provider delivering the activity.

APC understands that pharmacists may have questions about this decision and have developed an FAQ section.