CCG proposals for GPs to restrict access to OTC prescriptions

This page has been updated to remove advice which stated schemes proposed by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) which involve GPs assessing patients’ ability to pay for over-the-counter medicines and asking them if they are willing to do so run contrary to GMC guidance. We have since been informed that this is not the case and apologise for any confusion it has caused.

It remains the view of Londonwide LMCs that decisions regarding the prescribing of certain over-the-counter medicines should be taken at a national level by the Government, using “The Blacklist” described under the NHS Regulations, and published in part XVIIIA of the NHS Drug Tariff, rather than passing this responsibility and risk to CCGs and on to GPs.

Practices should be aware that CCGs cannot directly prohibit GPs and other prescribers from prescribing drugs which are available via FP10, we do encourage prescribers to be mindful of the best use of NHS resources, but to continue to prescribe drugs, medicines or appliances which are needed for the treatment of patients in line with their contract.

Last updated : 31 Jul 2017

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