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Pharmaceutical Services - a Changing Landscape
Dr Philip Koopowitz reports from Conference 09
Paul Burns is Chairman of the Pharmacy Regulations Advisory Group and as such has an intricate knowledge of all Pharmacy regulations, existing and proposed. He gave an excellent insight into the new changes which have come into effect with the granting of Royal Assent to the Health Act 2009 on 12 November 2009.
The most significant change is the introduction of Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments (PNAs). Paul was very clear that these had to be drawn up from April 2010. Existing PNAs could be adapted by PCTs, but new PNAs would need to be drafted and then the drafts will need to be sent out for consultation. Once the drafts had been consulted upon, then the PCT would need to agree the PNA by April 2011.
The PNA seems to be a static assessment of needs at that moment in time. The PNA would be in force for 3 years, after which time it would need to be redrafted in light of any changes that might have occurred in that time.
There seems to be a bit of uncertainty as to how changes that occur during the 3 year life of the PNA are to be taken into account when the PCT assess initial needs which have been filled by the provision of pharmacy services.
The Pharmacy Regulations Advisory Group, of which Dr Richard West, Chairman of the DDA, is a member, will be trying to solve this conundrum in the not too distant future.
It is going to be vital that dispensing doctors take an active role during the consultation period on the Draft PNA.
Look out for the Draft PNAs in April 2010. If they are not available, make enquiries with your PCT and let the DDA know if you have an inadequate response. PNAs are now a legal requirement.
Paul Burns’ power point presentation can be accessed here Changing Landscape.ppt