As a registered pharmacist, you are expected to have appropriate professional indemnity arrangements in place for the work you do. As a locum you usually arrange your own cover rather than relying on an employer's.
What it covers#
Professional indemnity insurance helps protect you if a claim is made relating to your professional practice — for example, a dispensing error. Cover levels, exclusions and run-off terms vary between providers.
Things to check#
- That the level of cover suits the work you actually do.
- Whether cover is claims-made or occurrence-based, and what happens to past work if you switch or stop (run-off cover).
- Whether your professional body membership already includes some cover.
Keep proof handy#
Pharmacies may ask for evidence of your indemnity cover. Keep your certificate somewhere easy to reach (a document vault for this is planned for a later release).
Where to get proper advice#
This is general information only. Confirm your obligations with the GPhC and choose cover with a regulated insurer or your professional body.