Dear patients,
We would like to provide you with an important update regarding proposed government changes to prescription regulations. While the legislation has not yet been finalised, we understand there is growing interest in the potential for 12-month prescriptions.
What's changing?
The Government is considering allowing certain eligible patients to receive prescriptions that last up to 12 months. However, we want to stress that this change has not yet been confirmed, and the details are still under review.
If this legislation is passed, only a small number of patients will be eligible for a 12-month prescription. Eligibility will always be at the discretion of your GP, based on clinical safety.
Who might be eligible?
Eligibility (based on current guidance) may include patients who:
Have clinically stable medical conditions
Have had no changes to medication or dosage in the past six months
Do not require ongoing monitoring (e.g. no blood pressure checks or blood tests needed)
Are not prescribed any controlled medications
Are willing to book an in-person review in 12 months for a structured medication review, care planning, and any necessary monitoring
Who will be excluded?
The following are not eligible for 12-month prescriptions:
Patients prescribed controlled medications (e.g. opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulant medications, including ADHD treatments)
Patients requiring ongoing monitoring, such as regular blood tests or blood pressure checks
Patients whose medical conditions or medications are not clinically stable
Medications that are taken intermittently or as needed, such as for migraines, pain relief, or sleep
Important notes
If approved, 12-month prescriptions will still be dispensed by pharmacies in 3-month supplies at a time. Pharmacies are not permitted to dispense more than this.
These prescriptions will be sent to one designated pharmacy, and you will need to collect all your repeats from that same location.
We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available and the legislation develops.
