FIP Issues New Guidance on Ethics, Professional Autonomy and AI in Pharmacy

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has adopted new guidance to support the development, updating and implementation of codes of ethics for pharmacists, highlighting professional autonomy, patient rights, pharmacist wellbeing and the responsible use of emerging technologies.

The “Guidance for developing a Code of Ethics for pharmacists” was adopted by the FIP Board on 30 August 2026 and replaces FIP’s 2014 Statement of Professional Standards on codes of ethics for pharmacists.

The statement is intended to guide FIP members, professional organisations, regulators, education providers and other national stakeholders in developing or updating ethical frameworks for pharmacy practice.

FIP describes a code of ethics as a public-facing expression of a profession’s core principles and values. It says such codes can provide an ethical framework for professional judgement and may establish standards that go beyond minimum legal requirements, depending on the jurisdiction.

Emphasis on professional autonomy

A major focus of the guidance is the professional autonomy of pharmacists.

FIP calls for pharmacists to have the professional autonomy necessary to apply independent judgement and says pharmacists should be able to refuse participation in practices or decisions that are scientifically unsound, unsafe, unethical or contrary to professional standards, subject to applicable legal and ethical frameworks.

The statement also calls for protection against inappropriate financial, commercial, institutional or personal influences that could affect professional judgement.

It further calls for pharmacists to be protected from coercion, retaliation or undue pressure from owners, managers, employers or other parties to act in ways that are unethical, unsafe or contrary to professional standards.

Pharmacist wellbeing linked to patient safety

The guidance identifies pharmacist wellbeing as an ethical consideration, stating that professional competence, ethical judgement and patient safety depend on pharmacists’ physical and mental wellbeing and safe working environments.

FIP recommends confidential support pathways, non-punitive rehabilitative approaches and systems that promote mental health and resilience for pharmacists and their colleagues. It also recognises conscientious objection as an issue that may require appropriate support.

Patient rights and confidentiality

The statement places respect for human rights, non-discrimination, patient dignity and cultural, moral and religious values among the obligations that should be reflected in pharmacists’ codes of ethics.

It also calls for strong protections for patient confidentiality, including information handled through remote, electronic and internet-based services.

According to the guidance, patient information should only be disclosed with informed consent, where strictly necessary for professional activity, or as permitted by applicable legislation and regulation.

Ethics in AI and digital pharmacy

FIP also addresses the ethical implications of emerging technologies in pharmacy.

The guidance specifically identifies areas such as pharmacogenomics and artificial intelligence in clinical decision-making and calls for the ethical and responsible use of digital health, telepharmacy and AI.

It emphasises that the use of these technologies should safeguard patient safety, confidentiality and professional judgement, while complying with applicable legislation and relevant data governance and ethical AI frameworks.

FIP further states that professional standards should be maintained across digital and remote modes of practice, including online interactions and technologically supported care.

Continuing education and professional competence

The guidance identifies continuing professional development as an ethical responsibility for pharmacists.

It calls for pharmacists to maintain professional competence through structured continuing professional development and says professional bodies, employers and regulators should support access to quality-assured CPD, appropriate learning time where feasible, and mechanisms for recognising and verifying CPD.

FIP also calls on pharmacy education providers to embed ethics throughout pharmacy education and prepare students for emerging challenges involving digital practice, privacy, cybersecurity and the ethical use of AI.

A broader ethical responsibility

Beyond individual pharmacist conduct, the guidance places responsibilities on professional organisations, governments, policymakers, patient organisations and academic institutions.

FIP calls on professional pharmacy organisations to promote and disseminate codes of ethics, facilitate continuing education in ethics, integrate ethical principles into practice guidance and quality management programmes, and periodically review their codes.

The statement also calls for ethical considerations to extend to the medicines supply chain, public health, access to medicines, health inequalities and environmental sustainability.

On sustainability, FIP recommends responsible use of medicines, reduction of avoidable waste and safe disposal while maintaining patient care.

What the guidance means

FIP’s new statement presents professional ethics as an evolving component of pharmacy practice rather than a framework limited to traditional dispensing and patient-care responsibilities.

By addressing autonomy, workplace pressures, wellbeing, patient confidentiality, conscientious objection, continuing education, artificial intelligence and sustainability, the guidance reflects the expanding range of settings and responsibilities in which pharmacists practise.

The statement does not establish a single universally enforceable code for every pharmacist. Instead, it provides guidance for FIP members and relevant national stakeholders to develop, update and implement codes of ethics appropriate to their jurisdictions.

FIP recommends that such codes should be regularly reviewed to remain responsive to developments in healthcare, science, technology and society.

Source: International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Guidance for developing a Code of Ethics for pharmacists, adopted 30 August 2026.