New guidance for Pharmacy provision at a distance.

[CarefulN0w]

This is the new guidance about Pharmacy provision at a distance. There has been quite a lot of noise today about how the supply of weight loss medication could be affected, but it also affects prescriptions from overseas and non-UK registered professionals.

There is also a handy reminder that Pharmacists/pharmacies in this situation need adequate indemnity insurance.

The relevant section starts at the bottom of page 10.

assets.pharmacyregulation.org/files/2025-02/gphc-guidance-registered-pharmacies-providing-pharmacy-services-distance-february-2025.pdf

Is this with reference to cross sex hormones?

I can’t remember where we ended up with abortion pills. Are they done by post these days?

It certainly seems to be a route to shut down attempts to prescribe cross sex hormones in third countries, and send to a UK [NI] pharmacy or whatever the latest model the Wellerby's were trying.

I'm not sure if abortion pills by post would be affected, as these are legally available, and services are already tightly regulated. I wouldn't think there was much need to use an overseas prescriber.

I’ve been following the new guidance on pharmacy services at a distance, and it definitely clarifies a lot about prescriptions from overseas and non-UK professionals. One thing that stood out is the emphasis on adequate indemnity insurance, it’s crucial if a pharmacy is handling remote prescriptions.

From my experience, local pharmacies like Corpus Memorial Pharmacy in Corpus Christi, TX, have started implementing similar safeguards for telepharmacy services. They ensure prescriptions are reviewed carefully, maintain clear patient communication, and have systems in place for secure delivery or mailing. While this is US-based, the principles, thorough checks, proper documentation, and patient safety are relevant globally, especially for sensitive medications like weight loss or hormone therapies.

It’s a good reminder that even when distance services are convenient, professional oversight and legal coverage remain essential.

I’d actually forgotten about this. Interesting that HW has been focusing so much on the US.