In advance of 1 September when pharmacists will be enabled to extend and dispense certain prescriptions from six months up to a maximum of 12 months where appropriate, the PSI have published updated Guidelines to Support Medicines Therapy Review, Counselling and Prescription Extension. The PSI encourages all pharmacy owners and pharmacists to read the guidelines and consider how they will incorporate the change into the procedures and practices within their pharmacy. They have also expanded the Frequently Asked Questions on the Expert Taskforce and Prescription Extension.
As you are aware the IPU is in a talks process with the Department of Health in relation to payments and fee structures for community pharmacy. Please be in no doubt that payment for services regarding the extension of prescriptions by community pharmacists and the anticipated recommendations of the Expert Taskforce will form a key part of our ongoing discussions with the Department of Health.
