MEP 3.3 - PROFESSIONAL AND LEGAL ISSUES POM PART 1

what are the 7 legal requirements for prescriptions

SIGNATURE OF PRESCRIBER

ADDRESS OF PRESCRIBER

DATE

PARTICULARS OF PRESCRIBER (information to show the TYPE of prescriber e.g. Nurse vs doctor)

PATIENT NAME

PATIENT ADDRESS

AGE OF PATIENT (IF UNDER 12)

What must prescriptions be written in?

Indelligible ink (ink that cannot be removed)

are there any different legalities regarding legal requirements for private prescription

no.

can we accept carbon copies of prescriptions

Yes AS long as they as signed in INK

Can we accept copies of electronic prescripitons on an email or online account

no because they don't meet the requirements of an electronic signature

what happens if there's a prescription written in welsh

put the patient safety first

can used translation service but refuse if not availabel

If there isn't a number on a repeatable how many times can it be dispensed

once

what drug is expected in the no number on repeatable prescriptions

Oral contraceptives

how many repeats can an oral contraceptive be dispensed without a number on the repeat

5 times = 6 supplies

what type of drugs are not allowed to be repeated

schedule 2 and 3 CDs

can schedule 4 and 5 CDs be prescribed on a repeat prescription

yes

How long does the first dispense and repeat dispensers need to be made for a CD 5 drug on a repeat prescription

within 6 months of the date on the prescription then after that there is no legal time frame for the remaining repeats

How long does the first dispense and repeat dispensers need to be made for a CD 4 drug on a repeat prescription

within 6 months of the date on the prescription then after that there is no legal time frame for the remaining repeats

as there is no time limit upon the timeframe that repeat dispensing can be made for CD 4 and 5 drugs on repeat prescription what must we use

professional judgement -the patient can go to other pharmacies and get the medication dispensed

how do we track the dispensing of repeat prescription dispensing

each time the prescription has been dispensed mark the date name and address of the pharmacy.

what is the legal time frame for owings on POMs and CD 5

6 months from the date on the Rx

what is the legal time frame for owings on P and GSL

6 months from the date on the Rx

what is the legal time frame for owings on CD 2, 3 & 4

28 days from the date on the Rx

how long must POM register be kept

2 years from the date of supply or last date in the register

what prescriptions need filing in the POM register

Private POM prescriptions

what 5 things are required in a POM register entry

Supply date

Rx date

medicine details (name, strength, quantity, formulation)

prescriber details (name and address)

Patient details (name and address)

are FP10s allowed in prison?

No not whilst they're in prison but if they are let out abruptly without meds they are allowed an FP10

what are dental prescribers allowed to prescribe

whats in the DPF

are faxed prescription legal

no because they don't have a signature in ink

what are the risks of faxed prescriptions

unsure if the supply has been made

risk of poor reproduction

risk that the original Rx won't be sent to the pharmacy

risk that the Rx can be ammended by the prescriber

risk that the faxed Rx has been sent to multiple pharmacies

risk that the Rx in not genuine

risk that the system that sent the Rx isn't secure

what must we be aware if we do dispense against a faxed rx

consider making a record of decision making process

e.g. the Rx was an end of life patient and the prescription wouldn't arrive til the next day

can we supply CD 2,3 against a faxed prescription

no this is illegal and can be criminally prosicuted

What signs can we use to see if a forged prescription has been handed in (hint theres 6 key points)

large excessive amount rxd or the medicine isnt clincially coherent

the prescribe isnt known

the patient isnt known

"Dr" is written before the signature

the patient is aggitated, aggressive etc

the medicine is commonly known to be misused

who do we report fraudulent prescriptions to

Police, nhs counter fraud service (NHS Rx only)

Can we accept Rxs (including repeats) from countries in the UK EEA and switzerland

YES

Can we accept emergency supplies from countries in the UK

yes

what happens if there is a prescription that originates out of the EEA list

use professional judgement

Refer to local GP

What are the legal requirements for EEA and switzerland prescriptons

Patient details Patient’s full first name(s), surname

Date of birth

Prescriber details Prescriber’s full first name(s), surname, professional qualifications, direct contact details including email address and telephone or fax number (with international prefix), work address (including the country they work in)

Prescribed medicine details Name of the medicine (brand name where appropriate), pharmaceutical form, quantity, strength and dosage details

Prescriber signature

Date of issue

how long are EEA and switzerland Rxs valid for

six months from the appropriate date (prescriptions for Schedule 4 CDs 28 days)

what happens if EEA and switzerland Rx's are written in a foreign language

still legally valid

However, you will need to have enough information to enable the safe supply of medicines considering patient care and wellbeing.

how can we find the registration status of prescribers on EEA AND SWISS Rx

GMC website or Dentist

if you cant find the registration status of the prescriber on EEA or Swiss rx can we still supply the RX

yes - use due dilligence if the other legal requirements are fulfilled why not?

what medicines aren't available via EEA or swiss Rx

Schedule 1,2,3 CD without a merketing authorisation valid in the UK

what are military prescripitons usually prescribed on

FMed 296 usually electronic and only contracted pharmacies can dispense usually charge MOD directly

What are the legal requirements to appear on a dispensed label

Name of the patient

Name and address of the supplying pharmacy

date of dispensing

name of medicine

direction for use

precautions

what does the RPS recommend to be on dispensed medicines labels (not legal requirement)

keep out of sight and reach of children

use this medicine on your skin - when applicable

what is the advice regarding labelling outer containers of inhalers etc

the item should be labelled rather than the outer container incase it gets discarded

what label requirements are needed for dispensing broken down from bulk

Name of medicine

Quantity of medicine in container

quantitative particulars of the medicine (ie the ingredients)

handling and storage where required

expiry date

batch number

what exemptions allow POMs to be sold/supplied without a prescription

PGDs

Patient specific directions (PSD)

Emergency supplies

Optom/podiatrist signed orders

supply of salbutamol to school

supply of adrenaline autoinjectors to school

supply of naloxone by individual providing recognised drug treatment