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Prescription-only medicine supply — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardPharmacy Law and EthicsPrescription-only medicine supplyGPhC CRA

A community pharmacist is individually authorised under an amoxicillin PGD whose document states an end date of 30 June. On 1 July, a patient meets every clinical inclusion criterion. The superintendent has emailed that staff may use the PGD for another month, but the PGD has not been reauthorised. Which statement is correct?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — The expired PGD cannot be used; obtain a prescription or another current legal authority

A PGD must include its start and end dates and be signed and authorised through the required process. Once its stated end date has passed it is not a current legal authority, even when the patient still meets its clinical criteria. A unilateral email cannot retrospectively change the signed and authorised direction. Supply on 1 July therefore requires a prescription or another current legal mechanism; the record must reflect the real date rather than being backdated.

Reference: MHRA PGD guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/patient-group-directions-pgds/patient-group-directions-who-can-use-them