GPs should ignore OTC prescribing bans if patient care at risk, says GMC

[Clutter]

GPs should ignore bans on prescribing drugs available OTC if they believe the policies put patient care at risk, the GMC has said.

GMC guidance on Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety states it is up to GPs to make a professional judgment on whether ‘local developments' could have 'an adverse impact on patient care’.

This guidance can be considered when deciding whether to implement CCG bans on providing patients with prescriptions for drugs that are also available OTC, the regulator told GPonline.

CCG have rolled out local bans on prescribing drugs available OTC, despite warnings from the BMA that GPs could be in breach of their contracts if they refuse to prescribe medicines their patients need. Local commissioners have imposed the bans without waiting for the results of an NHS England consultation on proposals for a nationwide block on GPs prescribing drugs available OTC, which runs until October.

Cont/d in: gponline.com/gps-ignore-otc...

There is no mention of Liothyronine or other prescription only drugs which are potentially going to be deprescribed.

Please complete the NHS England Survey re deprescribing Liothyronine. engage.england.nhs.uk/consu...

Please also sign the petition requesting better thyroid diagnosis, testing and treatment. change.org/p/itt-campaign-g...

[shaws Administrator]

My security system wouldn't let me access engage.england.nhs.uk/cons....

[Clutter in reply to shaws]

Shaws,

Perhaps you could try later. The link works fine for me.

[jgelliss]

Clutter I just signed the petition . I hope many more will join to sign the petition .

[Hennerton]

I went to see my GP yesterday and saw a locum filling in from another practice in the same CCG area. In the course of our conversation (not about thyroid) I asked if any of the local practices were banning prescribing T3. He said he did not know but that it is a matter between doctor and patient and the CCG cannot insist. I am pleased that the message is getting through to some of them!

[Clutter in reply to Hennerton]

Hennerton,

That's refreshing. I've been shocked how many GPs have relinquished their autonomy to CCGs who do not have the authority to tell GPs what, and what not, to prescribe.

[Hennerton]

Shocked is an understatement. I was horrified and had been waiting for the summons to be told the bad news. In view of the potential loss of it, I had been buying it over the counter in France and have a little store that I now may never need. We have to be three steps ahead nowadays...

[Clutter in reply to Hennerton]

Hennerton,

I have some from Turkey as back up in case of MPharma shortages or in case prescription is withdrawn.

[Scazzoh]

Great in theory but will GPs follow the GMC guidelines or stick to what the CCGs tell them to do?

[Clutter in reply to Scazzoh]

Scazzoh,

I would think very carefully whether ignoring CCG instruction or being in breach of GMC guidelines was more damaging to my career.