The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7272 p597
25 October 2003

Society summary

An occasional feature, prepared in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Professional Standards Directorate, to highlight problems and inquiries currently being handled

Law and Ethics Bulletin, 2001 to present
See also Good Practice Points, 2003 to present

• Handwriting exemptions for Controlled Drug prescribing
• Supply of drug paraphernalia
• Copying of certificates (updated January 2008)

Handwriting exemptions for Controlled Drug prescribing

Certain doctors who prescribe Controlled Drugs for addicts may qualify for a handwriting exemption certificate. In view of new guidance from the Home Office, pharmacists are advised that legislation does not restrict the exemption to prescriptions for the treatment of addition.

Previously the Home Office has expressed an opinion that it would be inappropriate and against the spirit of the Regulations for a doctor to use his or her handwriting exemption when prescribing Controlled Drugs for other purposes, such as the treatment of injury or organic disease. However, in the light of proposed changes to legislation, the Home Office has subsequently stated that, provided the doctor is prescribing at the address specified on his handwriting exemption certificate, the exemption could be used when prescribing Controlled Drugs for non-addict patients.

The doctor must still sign and date the prescription. Confirmation of practitioners who have been granted a handwriting exemption can be obtained from the Home Office (tel 020 7217 8230 or 020 7217 8713).

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Supply of drug paraphernalia

With regard to the recent changes to legislation to permit the supply of specified drug paraphernalia to illicit drug users, pharmacists are advised that one of the items, ampoules of water for injections, can only be supplied in accordance with the Medicines Act 1968. Because the product is for parenteral administration, it is a prescription only medicine. Pharmacists can therefore only supply ampoules of water for injections against a legally valid prescription or under a patient group direction. To supply in any other circumstances is unlawful.

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Copying of certificates

Under Sections 70 and 71 of the Medicines Act 1968, a pharmacist in personal control of a pharmacy must have his or her registration certificates displayed.

Pharmacists requiring a copy of their registration certificate are advised that the certificate is the property of the Society and must only be copied in the following circumstances: (1) if any overseas registration board or society needs it as part of their application process; (2) if a locum agency needs it as part of its registration process and diligence. Any copies should be clearly marked “copy”.

If transporting the certificate is difficult then an A4-size registration certificate is available. Those members wishing to take advantage of this facility should write to the registration department of the Society enclosing their current registration certificate and a fee of £10. Laminated versions of the A4-size are also available. Requests must be at the time of ordering, with an additional cost of £2.50.