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Repeat dispensing early holiday — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModeratePharmacy Law and EthicsRepeat dispensing early holidayGPhC CRA

A patient using electronic repeat dispensing requests the next issue early for a six-week holiday. The eRD prescription remains valid and the pharmacist confirms continued clinical appropriateness. What may the pharmacist do?

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Correct answer: A — Dispense the next authorised eRD issue early and document the checks

Dispense the next authorised eRD issue early and document the checks: eRD issues can be retrieved before the nominal interval where clinically appropriate; the dispenser must still establish need and ongoing suitability. Create two additional eRD issues after documenting the patient’s holiday dates: The dispenser cannot increase the number of authorised issues. Retain the scheduled collection date and refer every early request: The interval supports management but does not impose an absolute legal prohibition on early retrieval. Supply the full holiday quantity and reconcile authorised issues after return: Supply remains limited to authorised issues and appropriate quantities. Convert remaining eRD issues to a pharmacist-signed private prescription: A dispenser cannot create a replacement private prescription unless independently prescribing within competence.

Reference: NHSBSA: electronic repeat dispensing guidance: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/prescribing-and-dispensing/electronic-repeat-dispensing; Human Medicines Regulations 2012: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1916/contents