Signed order/ Written Requisition

Question 1

Signed orders

Answer 1

• Communication between a purchaser and a pharmacist to request a medication

Question 2

Signed orders: Record keeping

Answer 2

Keep the invoice (or a copy) relating to the supply of POM; or make an entry in POM register
- date POM was supplied
- strength, quantity, name, form
- name and address of trade, business or profession of person to whom med is supplied
- purpose of which it was sold or supplied

Question 3

How long should signed order records be kept

Answer 3

Records and or signed orders need to be kept for TWO YEARS following date of supply

Question 4

Entry for signed order of CD

Answer 4

• where supply involves a CD 2 a separate entry needs to be made in CD register
• for audit purposes, include how much you charged

Question 5

Can optometrists and podiatrists authorise the supplies of POMs?

Answer 5

• Optometrists and podiatrists cannot authorise supplies of POMs by writing prescriptions unless they are additionally qualified as independent or supplementary prescribers.
• However they can with signed order
• Medicine requested has to be one which can be legally sold or supplied by the optometrist or podiatrist

Question 6

Is the signed order a Rx?

Answer 6

The signed patient order is not a prescription; therefore the usual prescription requirements would not be needed.

Question 7

Supply of medicines to schools

Answer 7

• Schools can obtain supplies of adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) and/or salbutamol inhalers from a pharmacy on a signed order.
• These can then be administered in an emergency, by persons trained to administer them, to pupils previously prescribed such medication and where parental consent has been received.

Question 8

School: What information should be included on the signed order?

Answer 8

• Name of the school
• Product details (including spacer if relevant)
• Strength (if relevant)
• Purpose for which the product is required
• Total quantity required
• Signature

Question 9

School: Brands of AAIs and salbutamol?

Answer 9

• Different brands of AAIs and salbutamol are available, and each brand may have different instructions for administration.
• The Department of Health advises schools to hold appropriate quantity of a single brand of AAI device to avoid confusion in administration and training.

Question 10

School: How many can be ordered?

Answer 10

• The number that can be obtained by individual schools is not specified in legislation.
• Schools can purchase salbutamol inhalers and/or AAIs from pharmacies provided it is for small quantities, on an occasional basis and not for profit.

Question 11

School: What should a pharmacist consider when responding to requests from schools?

Answer 11

• School size and number of sites it is comprised of
• Number of children known to be affected
• Past experiences e.g. of children not having access to an AAI or inhaler

Question 12

School: What additional advice can I provide?

Answer 12

• Explain how to use and store correctly
• Advise on the most appropriate spacer device for the different age groups and how to use them correctly
• Advise on correct storage, care and disposal
• Advise importance of record keeping, regular date checking and when to replace