- Legislation introduced in February 2019 allows pharmacists to dispense prescription-only medicines under a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP)
- SSPs are used to minimize the impact of serious drug shortages on medical professionals and patients
- Prescriptions amended under a SSP are zero-rated for VAT purposes
- The zero rate also applies to private prescriptions
- Manufacturers are required to notify the DHSC of any forecasted shortages of medicines and medical appliances
- SSPs help alleviate the effects of serious shortages on patients and medical professionals
- Patients must agree to an alternative medication before a prescription can be fulfilled under a SSP
- A SSP can apply to both NHS and private prescriptions
- A SSP can instruct pharmacists to change the quantity, dosage, or type of medicine dispensed
- Compliance checks are required to apply the zero rate to prescriptions amended under a SSP
Source: gov.uk
Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.
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