New law (July 08): (Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (Registration Amendments Rules) Order of Council 2008 SI No. 1553) allows for payment of pharmacist’s (and pharmacy technician’s) retention fees by direct debit in instalments

Commencement No. 1 Order (Aug 08) for Health and Social Care Act 2008 (SI No. 2214) gives directions to the Appointments Commission to appoint chair and other non-executive members of the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE)

Health and Social Care Act 2008 received Royal Assent (Aug 08). Provides for creation of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), revises reviews and investigations under mental health law, establishes the office of the Health Professions Adjudicator (initially only for doctors and opticians); establishes the General Pharmaceutical Council, the National Information Governance Board and provides for regulation of social care workers

Commencement No. 6 Order for Health Act 2006 (SI No. 2714) introduces the power to enforce the Responsible Pharmacist provisions

New law (Oct 08): The Medicines (Pharmacies) (Responsible Pharmacist) Regulations 2008 (SI No. 2789) sets out the duties of responsible pharmacists who are required (by virtue of section 72A of Medicines Act) to secure the safe and effective running of a pharmacy business at the premises from which it is carried on. Comes into force October 2009