Compounding pharmacists have a special knowledge and expertise. No other health care professional is trained in the preparation of drug products. In recognition of the compounding pharmacist's role in affecting quality medical care, this Code of Ethics is designed to recognize the prominence of the compounding pharmacists and to advocate acceptance of a personal obligation to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct for the professional practice of compounding pharmacy, patients and colleagues.

The Code of Ethics of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists establishes minimum standards of conduct and may change to address ethical problems that arise due to advancing knowledge, technology and legal and regulatory changes.

Responsibilities to the Profession, Patients and Colleagues:

1. Operate in conformance with applicable State law regulating the practice of pharmacy.

2. Ensure your professional conduct is above reproach.

3. Practice the art and skill of compounding pharmacy to the best of your ability.

4. Know the limits of your expertise and refer to colleagues on issues beyond your knowledge and skill.

5. Continue self-education to improve your standard of compounding practice.

6. When possible, accept responsibility to advance the profession of pharmacy and practice of compounding by participating in properly developed programs, research projects, seminars, teaching opportunities, lectures and publications.

7. When possible, accept responsibility to advance the profession of pharmacy and practice of compounding by taking leadership positions with the state association, licensing authority, college of pharmacy, national pharmacy organization or other organizations having for their objective the betterment of the profession of pharmacy.

8. Willingly accept responsibility to advance the profession of pharmacy and practice of compounding by representing to lawmakers at the state and national level the policies and agendas having for their objective the betterment of the profession of pharmacy.

9. Ensure that marketing practices, fee structures and overall promotion of your practice are implemented in the best interest of the profession and the treatment of patients.

10. Share ideas and information with colleagues and assist them in their professional development.

11. Give credit to the contributions of your colleagues.

12. Be responsible when placing an appropriate value on your services, and consider the time, skill, experience and any special circumstances involved in the performance of that service, when determining any fee.

13. Do not deny services on the basis of race, religion, gender, disability, age or national origin.

14. Do not dispense medications to a third entity for resale.

15. Uphold the triad relationship - patient, physician, pharmacist relationship - as the basis for pharmacy practice.

16. Know the details and adhere to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Good Compounding Practices Applicable to State-Licensed Pharmacies or other international standards.

17. Do not engage in marketing or promotional practices that:

    a) utilize manufacturers names or the names of patented products;
    b) create misinformation with claims of therapeutic equivalence;
    c) create misinformation by perception that compounded products are generic products, and
    d) base such promotion and advertising solely on price.