The law underpinning prescribing

Question 1

Who are non-medical prescribers?

Answer 1

Pharmacists, nurses, midwives and other allied healthcare professionals who have completed an accredited prescribing course

Question 2

Describe the process for a Supplementary Prescriber.

Answer 2

1. Diagnosis of clinical condition by a medical practitioner
2. Agreement by service user to be managed by a prescribing partnership
3. Creation of a clinical management plan by medical practitioner, supplementary prescriber and service user
4. Management of the service user within the terms of the CMP

Question 3

What do long term conditions require?

Answer 3

Clinical management plans - these must be in place before the SP begins prescribing the patient

Question 4

What is an independent prescriber?

Answer 4

Practitioner who is responsible and accountable for the assessment of patients with undiagnosed or diagnosed conditions and can make prescribing decisions to manage the clinical condition of the patient

Question 5

State the legal requirements of a prescription.

Answer 5

1. Signature - signed by ink
2. Address of prescriber
3. Date
4. Particulars that indicate the type of appropriate practitioner
5. Name of the patient
6. Address of the patient
7. Age of the patient if under 12

Question 6

What did the RPS produce to help with prescribing?

Answer 6

• A prescribing competency framework that describes knowledge, skills, characteristics and behaviours for safe and effective prescribing
• Sets out what good prescribing looks like

Question 7

What are the 2 domains of the competency framework?

Answer 7

• The consultation; domain look at the competencies that a prescriber should demonstrate during the consultation
• Prescribing governance; domain focuses on the competencies that the prescriber should demonstrate with respect to prescribing governance

Question 8

State the different prescriber types.

Answer 8

• Doctors
• Dentists
• Vets

Question 9

What is a pharmacist IP accountable and responsible for?

Answer 9

Prescribing and clinical decisions

Question 10

When would remote consultations not be appropriate?

Answer 10

• Lack of patient access of ability to use technology
• Impaired capacity to participate e.g. dementia
• Red flags identified during triage suggesting a need for urgent medical attention
• Insufficient access to required info such as records or resources

Question 11

Why should prescribing and supplying be made by separate HCPs?

Answer 11

• Improves patient safety and reduced likelihood of errors

Question 12

What does the GPhC say about prescribing for yourself, friends and family?

Answer 12

Poor practice: Pharmacist prescribers must not prescribe for themselves or friends/family other than in exceptional circumstances

Question 13

Can pharmacist IP prescribe schedule 2 to 5 CDs?

Answer 13

Yes - but not cocaine, diamorphine or dipipanone for treating addiction

Question 14

Can pharmacist IP prescribe unlicensed and/or off-label medicines?

Answer 14

Yes

Question 15

Can pharmacist IP authorise an emergency supply for items which can be prescribed?

Answer 15

Yes - includes phenobarbital for epilepsy but no other schedule 1,2 or 3 CDs

Question 16

What are the special requirements for CDs?

Answer 16

• Name of the CD
• Formulation
• Strength
• Specific Dose
• Total quantity - in words and figures
• Quantity prescribed - no more than 30 day supply for Sch 2,3 and 4