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Remote prescription image — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardPharmacy Law and EthicsRemote prescription imageGPhC CRA

A UK prescriber emails a photograph of a signed paper prescription for an antibiotic and asks for immediate dispensing. The original cannot arrive until tomorrow. Which approach is lawful?

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Correct answer: E — Do not dispense the image; use a separate lawful route only if its own conditions and undertaking are met

A photograph or printout is not the original ink-signed paper prescription and is not made a valid electronic prescription by email. A supply may still be lawful through a distinct exemption if all its conditions are satisfied—for example, a prescriber-request emergency supply where the prescriber undertakes to provide the prescription within 72 hours. The supply must be recorded and follow the prescriber’s directions.

Reference: Human Medicines Regulations 2012: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1916/pdfs/uksi_20121916_en.pdf