June 20th 2023

By Ailsa Colquhoun

Ask us any question!

DDA conference opens the floor to delegates' questions

This year's DDA conference will include an "Ask us any question!” session, where conference delegates can pose any dispensary-related question to the Board.

The session will take place on the first day of the conference at 14.05 – 14.55. Questions for consideration can be posed on the day, or can be sent to the office by 5pm on Friday 22 September. 

There will also be a chance to test your knowledge. To book your place and be part of this fun learning session, please visit the DDA conference webpage.

To give you a flavour of what you can expect, why not test your knowledge now in this fun mini-quiz? Answers are provided.

Question 1: Can I dispense to a non-dispensing patient if it is an emergency, or they can’t get the product anywhere else 

1. Yes, you can dispense in any emergency, and I will be reimbursed
2. Yes, but only if it is life threatening, and I will be reimbursed
3. Yes, But I won’t be reimbursed
4. No, I can’t

 Answer: c) Yes, But I won’t be reimbursed. Any such dispensing would be purely altruistic. You would not get a dispensing fee OR be reimbursed for the drug.  

Question 2: What is a T28 exemption, and do I need one?

1. It is a permit to allow me to store and denature controlled drugs that have gone out date in my drug stock
2. It is a permit that allows me to store and denature controlled drugs that have been returned to the dispensary by patients
3. It is a permit that allows me to store and denature all controlled drugs regardless of their origin
4. It is a parking permit for free parking at any NHS site

Answer: a)The T28 exemption allows pharmacies and similar places to denature controlled drugs to comply with Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. It does not cover patient returns. You can apply on the Environment Agency website – it is valid for 3 years

It allows you to store up to 1 cubic meter of waste, and store it for up to 6 months. You must apply for separateT28 exemptions if you have more than one site

Question 3: Can we hand out a prescription if there is no doctor in the building?

1. No, Prescriptions can only be handed out if there is a doctor on the premises.
2. You can hand out most drugs, but not controlled drugs.
3. Yes, as longs as you have spoken to the doctor by telephone and checked it is ok.
4. Yes, you can

Answer:  d) Yes. Legally, a dispensing doctor may delegate dispensing to whomsoever they please, provided the act of dispensing required by that staff member is within the staff member’s assessed competence. For example, if the staff member is only required to hand out a sealed bag of medication to a patient, this could be delegated to a staff member with no dispensing training, i.e. a receptionist, subject to a satisfactory competency assessment. If the staff member was required to open the bag and go through the items with the patient, a dispenser’s competency would be required. The GP should always be contactable as they have ultimate responsibility.