Even though regulation 220 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 stipulates that Prescription Only Medicines and Pharmacy medicines may only be sold or supplied by a pharmacist or if the...
Read MorePharmacy Law & Ethics Association
An Independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to our members.
The Pharmacy Law & Ethics Association (PLEA) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to individuals with a unique interest in pharmacy law and ethics.
PLEA offers a platform for pharmacists (including former / retired pharmacists), pharmacy technicians, solicitors, barristers and legal professionals to collaborate on issues concerning the application of law, ethics and professionalism in pharmacy practice.
The platform also warmly welcomes academics, trainers and students in pharmacy education, within the UK and beyond.
Services We Offer
Law & Ethics News
Keep up to date with the latest changes in our industry
Events and Seminars
Members are able to attend the annual seminar and AGM free of charge subject to confirmed registration. The fee for non-members is £60. Members need to login in to the website prior to registering to receive the discounted price.
Consultancy Services
Access to experts with knowledge of pharmacy practice, ethics and the law. Offered by members of PLEA
Notice Board
2026 Seminar
Our next seminar will be held on 15 April 2026 at Aston University – Byng Kenrick Lecture Theatre (G11 – Main Building). Bookings are now closed.
Papers for the seminar will appear in the Members’ area soon, together with AGM papers. After the seminar, presentations given by our speakers will be posted in the Members’ area, subject to the consent of the speakers.
The programme is below.
10:00-10:30 Registration and coffee/tea
10:30-10:35 Chair’s welcome and introduction
10:35-11:15 Consent – Sima Hassan, Pharmacist & Senior Lecturer in Healthcare Law & Regulation, Aston University
11:20-12:00 Pharmacy discipline in the USA – the new Wild West – Cathal Gallagher, Professor of Healthcare Ethics and Law, University of Hertfordshire
12:00-12:15 Tea/coffee
12:15-12:55 AI – legal and ethical issues in pharmacy practice – Susan Hunneyball, partner, Gordons Partnership
12:55-13:30 Lunch (sponsored by Keystone Law)
13:20-13:45 AGM
13:50-14:30 Trends in pharmacy claims and reflections on future liabilities – Lisa Banks, Managing Director of Pharmacy insurance, National Pharmacy Association
14:35-15:15 Fitness to Practise highlights of 2025–2026 – Andrea James, Partner, Keystone Law
15:20-15:30 Concluding remarks
Details of the presentations given and the reports and papers presented at the 2025 seminar and AGM can be found on our news page.
David Reissner’s 2025 Chair’s report can be accessed here PLEA Chair’s report 2025 v3.pdf
PLEA Aims
To be a forum for the study and development of legal and ethical aspects of pharmacy practice and promote understanding of the ethical basis for professional judgment
To identify and debate legal or ethical questions raised by the developing nature of pharmacy practice
To provide informed comment, reports, or representations where appropriate, on legal and ethical issues arising in pharmacy practice
To provide educational opportunities for members and others who are interested in pharmacy law and ethics
Latest News
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The NHS terms of service* for pharmacies say that prescribed medicines must be supplied “with reasonable promptness”. It is not the kind of statutory provision that lends itself to definition....
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