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Questions and Answers
What is the correct order of steps in the policy implementation process?
What distinguishes primary legislation from secondary legislation?
Which of the following correctly describes the structure of an Act?
What is indicated by the Chapter number in legislation?
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How are Regulations typically numbered?
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Which of the following statements about subsections and paragraphs is correct?
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What role do Schedules play in Acts of Parliament?
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What outcome arises from the stakeholder engagement element of policy implementation?
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What is the primary restriction for Prescription Only Medicines (POM) regarding their supply?
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Which condition does NOT exempt a medicine from being classified as POM under the 1997 order?
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What distinguishes Pharmacy Only (PO) medicines from General Sales List (GSL) medicines?
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Under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, which statement about GSL medicines is accurate?
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What happens to the inheritance of the Medicines Act 1968 after the Human Medicines Regulations 2012?
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Which of the following is a requirement for Pharmacy medicines (P)?
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Which of the following accurately describes restrictions on the sale of GSL medicines?
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Which types of medicines can be sold without the need for a prescription?
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What is a primary requirement for the reclassification of a POM to a P medicine?
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Which of the following medicines was the first to switch from POM to P in 1983?
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What must the Minister of Health do before reclassifying a P medicine as GSL?
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What is a consequence of POM to P switches for pharmacists?
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Which of the following is NOT an offense under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012?
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What does supervised sale or supply of POM and P medicines entail?
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What effect does a repeat prescribing request form have in the NHS?
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Which of the following medicines switched from P to GSL in 2004?
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Which case is NOT an example of relevant case law in the context of POM and P medicines?
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Which statement about repeat dispensing prescriptions is accurate?
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What conditions make a patient unsuitable for repeat dispensing?
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In the context of emergency supplies, which professional can order an emergency supply?
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What is a requirement for making an emergency supply?
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How long can a repeat dispensing prescription be valid if it is dispensed for the first time within 6 months?
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Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of pharmacy staff in repeat dispensing?
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What piece of information must a pharmacist retain when dispensing emergency supplies?
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When might a repeat dispensing prescription allow for more than 12 batches to be issued?
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What is the primary purpose of a Marketing Authorisation (MA)?
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Which type of license allows the manufacturer to produce unlicensed medicinal products?
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What must be provided alongside the medicinal products as stipulated by the regulations?
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What is a requirement for a product to receive a Parallel Import licence?
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Which licence is required to import medicinal products from non-EEA countries by wholesale?
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What aspects are evaluated when issuing a Manufacturer’s/importer’s licence?
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Which category of wholesale licences allows holders to sell Pharmacy Medicines and Prescription Only Medicines?
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What is required from manufacturers in terms of product quality?
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What type of licence do companies need to import medicines to the UK from within the EU?
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What is a characteristic of the Manufacturer 'specials' licence?
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Study Notes
Policy into Practice - Elements
- Stimulus or reason for change: This identifies the driving force behind policy changes.
- Stakeholder engagement: This involves gathering input from all relevant parties affected by the policy.
- Option appraisal: This step examines various potential solutions to achieve the desired policy objectives.
- Impact assessment: This evaluates the potential consequences of implementing a policy, including both positive and negative effects.
- Consult on proposals: This involves seeking feedback from stakeholders on proposed policy changes.
- Communications: This involves effectively communicating the policy details to both the target audience and stakeholders.
- Legislation - primary and secondary: Primary legislation refers to Acts of Parliament, while secondary legislation encompasses regulations, orders, and bylaws created under the authority of Parliament.
- Implementation - guidance and support: This phase involves providing necessary resources and instructions for putting the policy into practice.
- Review: This step assesses the effectiveness of the implemented policy, identifying areas for improvement or adjustments.
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Passage of Legislation: This process involves the creation and enactment of legislation to support a policy change. It typically involves three stages:
- Green Paper: A preliminary document outlining policy proposals and seeking public opinion.
- White Paper: A more detailed document outlining policy proposals and outlining how they will be implemented.
- Bill: Legislation proposed to Parliament for enactment.
- Act: A law that has been passed by Parliament and is now in effect.
How to Use and Reference Legislation Effectively: Acts
- Short title: Acts have a short title which can be used for quoting and referencing. For example, "Medicines Act 1968."
- Chapter number: Each Act receives a chapter number that signifies its chronological order within a calendar year. For example, "Medicines Act 1968 c. 67" indicates it was the 67th Act published in that year.
- Parts: Acts can be grouped into "Parts" based on common themes or divisions.
- Sections: Sections are numbered enactments within an Act that address specific topics. For example, "Section 64 of the Medicines Act 1968" outlines the illegality of supplying medicines that don't meet the intended quality standards.
- Subsections: Sections are further divided into subsections, which provide more detailed information on a specific aspect of the section.
- Paragraphs: Subsections can be divided into numbered paragraphs.
- Schedules: These resemble appendices in an Act and provide further details or explanations related to specific sections.
How to Use and Reference Legislation Effectively: Regulations
- Secondary Legislation: Regulations are created under the authority of an Act of Parliament to implement its requirements.
- Statutory Instrument Number: Regulations are known as Statutory Instruments and have an SI number. For example, "Human Medicines Regulations 2012 are SI No. 1916."
- Parts and Chapters: Regulations are structured similarly to Acts, often divided into parts and chapters.
- Regulations: Numbered divisions within a set of regulations are called "Regulations."
- Paragraphs and Subparagraphs: Regulations are further divided into numbered paragraphs, which can have subparagraphs marked with a letter.
Legal Classification of Medicines
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Prescription Only Medicines (POM)
- These are listed in the Prescription Only Medicines (Human Use) Order 1997.
- Sales and supply are restricted, requiring a valid prescription from a qualified professional.
- There are three legal exceptions to this rule within the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
- Exemption from POM status: Medicines listed as POM in the 1997 order can be exempt if they meet certain conditions, such as being below a specific strength, in a particular form, for designated conditions, or sold in limited quantities.
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Pharmacy Medicines (P)
- Can be purchased without a prescription.
- Can only be purchased from a registered pharmacy.
- Sales must be made under the supervision of a pharmacist.
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General Sales List (GSL)
- Medicines on this list can be sold from any lockable premises.
- A pharmacist's presence is not required for sales.
- Sales must be made in original packaging.
- Quantities are strictly controlled.
- GSL medications can be sold from vending machines.
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Pharmacy Only (PO):
- The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 does not legally define a class of medicines called "Pharmacy Only."
- These medications are essentially GSL medicines that are designated within their Marketing Authorization (MA) as only being sold in a pharmacy.
- Supervision is not required.
Prescription Requirements
- Who can write prescriptions: A doctor, dentist, or other qualified healthcare professional with the appropriate prescribing rights can write a prescription.
Licensing, Manufacturing and Quality Assurance:
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Human Medicines Regulations 2012:
- Manufacturers must adhere to specific requirements.
- They must use methods that align with the marketing authorisation.
- They must adhere to quality standards and maintain documentation.
- Labeling must meet specified standards.
- Patient information leaflets must be provided.
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Types of Licenses:
- Marketing Authorisation (MA) – This grants permission to market a medicine in the UK.
- Manufacturer's Licence – This permits a company to manufacture medicinal products in the UK.
- Product Licence (Parallel Importing) – This allows for the import of medicinal products from other EU countries.
- Wholesale Dealing Licence – This permits the wholesale purchase and sale of medicines.
Marketing Authorisation (MA)
- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) must consider several factors before granting an MA:
- Safety: The medicine's safe use.
- Efficacy: The medicine's effectiveness in treating a particular condition.
- Quality: The medicine's manufacturing and production standards.
Manufacturer's/Importer's Licence (MIA)
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This license is required for companies that:
- Manufacture or package medicines: This covers the production of medicines in the UK.
- Import medicines from non-EEA countries: This includes importation from outside the European Economic Area.
- Wholesale trade of licensed medicines: This authorizes the wholesale trade of medicines imported from non-EEA countries.
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The MHRA considers the following factors when issuing MIA licenses:
- Premises, equipment, and processes: The manufacturing facilities and processes must meet specific standards.
- Equipment: The machinery and equipment used in manufacturing must meet specific standards.
- Skills and qualifications: Personnel working within the manufacturing process must have the necessary expertise.
- Storage conditions: Medicines must be stored under appropriate conditions.
Parallel Import Licences (PI)
- These licenses are required for importing medicines into the UK from within the European Union.
- The product must have a Marketing Authorisation in another EU country.
- PI licenses fall into three categories:
- Simple: For products that are authorized in several EU countries.
- Standard: For products that have not yet been marketed in the UK.
- Complex: For products that have complex regulatory requirements.
Manufacturer 'Specials' License (MS)
- This license allows holders to manufacture unlicensed medicinal products, often referred to as "specials."
- Examples include Martindale and BCM, which specialize in compounding pharmaceuticals.
- The MS license also permits importing unlicensed medicinal products from outside the European Economic Area.
- Examples include Clinigen, a company that specializes in supplying medicines for rare diseases.
Wholesale Dealing Licences (WL/WDL)
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Wholesale Dealers Licence (WL): This license authorizes the wholesale purchase and sale of:
- Pharmacy Medicines (P)
- Prescription Only Medicines (POM)
- General Sale List (GSL) Medicines
- Some herbal medicines
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Wholesale Dealers Licence (GSL): This license authorizes the wholesale purchase and sale of:
- General Sale List (GSL) Medicines
Quality Assurance
- The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 mandates that manufacturers maintain the quality of their products.
Human Medicines Regulations 2012
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Supervision by a Pharmacist:
- POM and P medicines must be sold or supplied under the supervision of a pharmacist. The definition of supervision can vary depending on the task.
- Relevant case laws include Roberts v Littlewoods (1943) and RPSGB v Boots (1953)
Reclassification of Medicines - POM to P:
- The MHRA can reclassify medicines from POM to P. To be considered for reclassification, a medicine must meet the following criteria:
- It is not likely to present a danger to human health if used correctly.
- It is not likely to present a danger to human health if used incorrectly.
- It has a history of safe use as a POM medicine.
- There are no unusual side effects requiring investigation by the MHRA or EMEA.
- It is not an injection.
Switching from POM to P: The Process
- A manufacturer seeking to reclassify a POM medicine to P status must submit relevant data to the MHRA.
- The MHRA assesses the product against specific standards.
- A consultation period occurs to ensure the proposed reclassification is necessary and desirable.
- If the MHRA deems the information satisfactory, an MA is granted, specifying conditions for selling the product as a P medicine.
POM to P Switches: Why are they Important?
- The first POM to P switch occurred in 1983 with Ibuprofen tablets.
- POM to P switches allow pharmacists to supply effective treatments over the counter.
- These switches necessitate continued competency and up-to-date knowledge for pharmacists.
- POM to P switches generate significant press attention, raising awareness of potential errors by pharmacists and their staff.
Key POM - P Switches (Timeline)
- 1983: Ibuprofen tablets
- 1987: Hydrocortisone 1% topical
- 1991: Nicotine gum 2mg
- 1992: Antifungal products
- 1993: Non-drowsy antihistamines
- 1994: H2 antagonists
- 2000: Domperidone
- 2001: Levonorgestrel
- 2005: Chloramphenicol eye drops
- 2008: Azithromycin
- 2017: Atorvaquone (Antimalarial)
- 2018: Sildenafil (Viagra)
Switching from P to GSL
- To be reclassified from P to GSL, the Minister for Health, guided by the MHRA, must be satisfied that the medicine does not pose a risk to the public and can be sold safely without pharmacist supervision.
- A good example of a medicine that underwent this reclassification process is aciclovir. Moving from POM to P in 1993 and P to GSL in 2004.
Offences under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and the Medicines Act
1968
- Improper use of restricted titles
- Failure to correctly label a medicine
- Selling or supplying a product that does not match its intended description
- Failure to provide a patient information leaflet
- "Loaning" POM medications
- Purchasing medicines from unlicensed wholesalers
- Sale and supply of certain unlicensed medicines
- Adulteration of medicines
- Failure to identify the responsible pharmacist
Repeat Prescribing, Repeat Dispensing, Supplies Without a Prescription
Repeat Prescribing:
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Private
- Prescribers can specify how many times a prescription can be repeated.
- It must be dispensed at least once within 6 months.
- Repeats can be collected as needed provided they remain clinically relevant.
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NHS
- Repeat prescribing requests are submitted with a patient's Rx.
- Patients tick off items needed.
- The request goes to the doctor or pharmacy for a new prescription.
- Patients collect the prescription after the doctor or pharmacist issues it.
Repeat Dispensing:
- Essential service: Repeat dispensing is an essential part of the pharmacy contract.
- Electronic and paper formats: It is available electronically and in paper format, with electronic being more common.
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Pharmacy staff responsibilities:
- Dispense repeat prescriptions received.
- Ensure requested repeats are appropriate for the patient.
- Verify the safety of repeat prescriptions for the patient.
Repeat Dispensing- Suitability
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Suitable:
- Regular medication
- Stable conditions
- Regular patients
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Not Suitable:
- Changing medication
- Patients with dose changes
- Certain controlled drugs
- Patients who don't use a regular pharmacy.
Repeat Dispensing - Prescription Validity
- Validity: 12 months, provided the first dispensing occurs within 6 months.
- Number of batches: There is no limit on the number of batches that can be supplied.
Considerations When Dispensing Repeat Prescriptions:
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Paper Prescriptions:
- Patients must provide the repeat authorization form (RA) and repeat dispensing form (RD).
- These forms should be securely kept at the pharmacy.
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Electronic or Paper Prescriptions:
- Batches should be dispensed in order, ensuring that earlier batches are used first.
- Patients should be informed when to return for their next supply.
- Patients should be advised as their medication is nearing depletion.
Emergency Supplies:
- Legal Basis: Emergency supplies are permitted by registered pharmacists under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
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Practitioners Authorized to Request Emergency Supplies:
- Doctors
- Supplementary prescribers
- Community practitioner nurse prescribers (CN)
- Nurse independent prescribers
- Optometrist independent prescribers
- Pharmacist independent prescribers
- Dentists
- Doctors and Dentists from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
- Patients whose doctors or dentists practice in an EEA country or Switzerland can request emergency supplies.
Emergency Supplies - Practitioner Requirements:
- The pharmacist must be satisfied that the practitioner is unable to provide a prescription immediately.
- The pharmacist may also need to satisfy themselves that the patient needs immediate medical attention because the practitioner cannot supply a prescription.
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Description
This quiz covers the key elements involved in transforming policy ideas into actionable practices. It includes aspects such as stakeholder engagement, impact assessment, and the legislative process. Test your understanding of these critical components in policy development and implementation.