Pharmacists to be allowed extend prescriptions to 12 months

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced plans that will allow pharmacists to extend the validity of prescriptions to 12 months.

The Department of Health said the measure, which will come into effect March 1st next year, “will improve patient care and access.”

Discussing the plan, Donnelly said the move “will reduce the demand on GP practices while giving pharmacists enhanced scope of practice that ultimately benefits the patient.”

He that he is looking forward to “receiving additional recommendations from the Expert Taskforce to further facilitate pharmacists in expanding their scope of practice.”

The Department said that the new measure will also reduce the need for GP appointments for many patients by ensuring that those who are stable on medication can avail of an extension of their prescription to a maximum of 12 months should a pharmacist consider it safe to do so.

If a shorter prescription is provided, the patient can see their pharmacist for an assessment and decide if an extension, up to a maximum period of 12 months, is suitable from a clinical standpoint.

The decision follows Donnelly’s accepting of recommendations from the Expert Taskforce which is examining the possible expansion of the role of pharmacists within the Irish healthcare system.

This Expert Taskforce consists of 13 experts with experience in pharmacy education and practice, healthcare policy and delivery, and other healthcare disciplines.

The Head of Professional Services with the Irish Pharmacy Union said resources will be needed to support the new measures.

Speaking on Morning Ireland, O’Dwyer said carrying out more structured consultations “will require a change in practice for pharmacists.”

She said that the move will give patients more choice and flexibility and “hopefully better care in the local community”.

O’Dwyer said that while pharmacists will be able to extend a prescription if they feel it is appropriate, they will also have the clinical judgement to refuse an extension.