News » DM Zone news, England, Wales » NHS BSA publishes January Hints & Tips
January 30th 2026
Information about Category H, coming into effect from March 1, is available in issue 62 (January 2026) of NHS BSA’s Hints & Tips
The information bulletin contains the following information for dispensing GPs:
Category H
Category H will enter the Drug Tariff from March 1. Products currently listed in Category C, where there is more than one supplier, will move to Category H in a phased approach. Community Pharmacy England considers Category H an imposed change to reimbursement.
HRT reminder
Dispensers are reminded that only certain medications can be claimed for free with an HRT PPC. You can find a list of these medications on our website.
Free supply endorsement use extended to tuberculosis treatments
The ‘FS’ (free supply) prescriber endorsement was extended on 1 December 2025 to cover treatments for tuberculosis (TB), latent TB infection and any associated effects and adverse reactions from TB treatment.
Patients must not be charged for items endorsed ‘FS’ by the prescriber.
Active Serious Shortage Protocols
Dispensers are reminded of the current Serious Shortage Protocols. Dispensing GPs are reminded of the Outline of Operational Guidance for Dispensers when a Serious Shortage Protocol is issued which states: “Where dispensing doctors are unable to re-write an FP10 prescription - amendments have also been made to dispensing doctors’ Terms of Service. This enables them to be paid correctly if they have supplied in accordance with the relevant SSP, (subject to endorsing the original FP10 prescription with the changes necessary), so that patients do not face undue delay in being able to access their medicines.”
