2024-09-05 15:02:41
We reported in July 2023 that the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (HMR) would be amended to allow original pack dispensing. This amendment was made on 11 October 2023 with the insertion of regulation 217B into the HMR. However, the new provision did not take effect in England and Wales pending amendments to the NHS terms of service there.
The National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2024 have just been laid before Parliament. They provide that the NHS terms of service in England will be amended with effect from 1 January 2025.
Except for controlled drugs in Schedules 2 to 4 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, and except for specials, the NHS terms of service will allow a different quantity to be provided to that ordered on the prescription form to allow a drug to supplied in its manufacturer’s original outer packaging. This is subject to:
- the quantity supplied in a manufacturer’s original pack must be no more than 10% greater or no more than 10% less than the quantity prescribed.
- the pharmacist supplying or directly supervising the supply does not consider, in the exercise of their professional skill and judgement, that the provision of a different quantity may mean that the patient does not, or is not able to follow the medication regimen as intended by the prescriber.
- the pharmacist must consider, in the exercise of their professional skill and judgement, whether it is reasonable and appropriate to supply a different quantity, having regard to the benefits to patients when the drugs are provided in their manufacturer’s original outer packaging.