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PGD use — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardPharmacy Law and EthicsPGD useGPhC CRA

A 64-year-old requests vaccination under a PGD whose authorised age range is 65–79 years. Clinical assessment suggests vaccination would be beneficial and the pharmacist is also an independent prescriber, but no individual prescription has yet been made. What may the pharmacist do now?

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Correct answer: B — Use an individual prescribing assessment instead; the PGD itself cannot cover this patient

A PGD is a pre-authorised legal mechanism and cannot be used outside its stated inclusion criteria, even when the intervention is clinically sensible or the practitioner also has prescribing rights. Independent prescribing may provide a separate lawful route only after the pharmacist undertakes and documents that individual prescribing decision. Consent, countersignature and professional judgement cannot amend the PGD itself.

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