Repeat Dispensing & Prescribing (NHS): Private Prescriptions, Prescription Records, Fate of Prescriptions

Question 1

What different ‘repeat’ prescription methods are available?

Answer 1

• Regular medications
• Repeats of regular medication ordered (monthly dispensing(: by patient or by pharmacy (gain consent first)
• Collection for dispensing (consent if pharmacy; box)
• Review

Question 2

What does repeat dispensing entail?

Answer 2

• Batch of ‘prescriptions’ to cover period of time
• Dispensed at intervals
• Rx authorisation (RA) - signed, indicates no. of prescriptions, ‘master prescription’
• Controlled drugs (not 2 and 3)
• Discussion with patient - all medicines needed?
• Paper or EPS

Question 3

What features does a master and consequent repeat dispensing script have?

Answer 3

• Master: ‘GP REPEAT DISPENSING: Authorising no. of issues = 6’
• Following issues: ‘Repeat dispensing 3 of 3’

Question 4

How do private prescriptions (for POMs) differ from NHS prescriptions?

Answer 4

• No standard form/template
• Date is the day it’s been written; NHS Rx can be back/forward-dated
• Private Rx are repeatable (specify no. of repeats and if just ‘repeat’ just repeat once; CD’s 2 & 3 not repeatable though)

Question 5

How long are Private Rx for POMs kept?

Answer 5

For two years from the date of dispensing

Question 6

How do Private Rxs for oral contraceptive differ WRT repeats with other POMs?

Answer 6

Can be repeated 5 times (dispensed 6 times within 6 months) regardless if ‘repeat’ stated.

Question 7

When is a POR record not required?

Answer 7

• NHS prescription
• Prescription for an oral contraceptive
• Separate record has been made in CD register
• Sale of POM is made by wholesale dealing and the order/invoice (or copies) relating to the sale is retained for 2 years

Question 8

What are the record-keeping procedures required for Private POM Rx supply?

Answer 8

• Record must be made on the same day (or next day if impractical)
• Details to be recorded (Date/Patient details/Ref no. Prescriber details/Medicine (quantity/strength/form)/Price)
• Can be made electronically
• Keep POR 2 years from date of last entry
• Keep Rx 2 years from date of dispensing

Question 9

What is the fate of NHS and Private prescriptions respectively?

Answer 9

• NHS: send to PPD (Prescription Pricing Division of NHS Business Services Authority)
• Private: keep original 2 years after final dispensing; make POR record (if repeat private Rx, return to patient between repeats)