Accreditation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Continuing professional development for pharmacists is an important part of maintaining the skills and responsiveness of the profession and ensuring the continuing quality and safety of pharmacy services for the Australian community. The APC accredits appropriately qualified organisations that meet its strict criteria to accredit CPD on its behalf.
There are currently four organisations that are accredited to accredit CPD. These are:
Australian College of Pharmacy
Accredited CPD
CPD that has been accredited has been evaluated for the quality and relevance of content. The number of CPD credits that can be obtained by participating in an accredited activity is both accurate and verifiable.
CPD Accrediting Organisations
An organisation can apply to the APC to become a CPD accredited organisation for a period of up to three years.
Step 1 - Application
The organisation submits the ‘Application to Become an Accrediting Organisation of Continuing Professional Development for Pharmacists’ and the application fee.
Step 2 – Assessment
The Accreditation Committee will initially assess the organisation’s application and in some instances may require more information from the applicant.
Step 3 – Independent Assessment of Application
A further assessment of the application will be undertaken by an independent internationally based reviewer. The independent reviewer will have commensurate expertise in pharmacy and CPD accreditation matters and will verify the findings of the Accreditation Committee or suggest further evidence be submitted.
Step 4 – Recommendations Arising From Assessment
The Accreditation Committee will develop a recommendation to be submitted to the APC. The organisation will be advised of the expected timelines. After the recommendation has been considered by the APC the organisation will be notified of the decision. If the application is unsuccessful the organisation will be given the opportunity to rectify problems identified and/or to respond to the APC, the Accreditation Committee, or the independent reviewer’s concerns.
Step 5 - Accreditation
After the organisation meets the requirements for accreditation it is listed on the APC website as an accrediting organisation for CPD for pharmacists.
Step 6 – Monitoring
At least two audits of the applicant will be performed during the organisation’s three year accreditation period. The auditors nominated by the APC will report to the Accreditation Committee on their findings. The initial audit will typically be a one day site visit and will be scheduled within six months from the date accreditation status is achieved. Organisations will be notified of the audit a minimum of two weeks beforehand and advised of the material (evidence) that may be required.
A second desk top audit to review evidence of quality improvement will be arranged in consultation with accrediting bodies, however, a period of 18 months from the date of receiving accreditation to accredit CPD should be regarded as an indicative time. At the discretion of Accreditation Committee another site audit may be required if concerns arise from the paper audit.
In addition to the site audit and the desk top audit, accredited organisations will be continuously monitored by the APC over the period of accreditation. Accrediting bodies will be required to complete an annual report at the end of every financial year. The APC will also conduct an independent review of not less than one accredited CPD activity per authorised provider per year.
Step 7 – Renewal of Accreditation
The organisation will be advised that its accreditation is due for renewal approximately three months prior to the expiry date. The renewal application will take the place of the third annual report, and will be similar in format.
For information about application forms and fees please email admin@pharmacycouncil.org.au to express your interest.
