Part XIVC of the Drug Tariff sets out the temporary safeguarding arrangements put in place if your business is adversely affected if prescribers systematically increase prescription duration on all or a significant percentage of their prescription items.
This could lead to your pharmacy facing:
- increased supplier bills in certain months as more medicines are dispensed per prescription than usual
- decreased prescription item volume in subsequent months
There are 2 temporary safeguarding payments available.
Claim 1 - to provide support to pay an increase in supplier's bills
For a month where the prescription item duration has increased compared to previously, you can claim for an increase in your advance.
This is because you will have dispensed significantly more medication per prescription item than normal, and your advance is likely to be insufficient to cover your supplier bill for the month.
The amount that can be claimed must reflect the amount your supplier bill has increased. This must be solely due to the increase in prescription item duration.
Claim 2 - remuneration
For the months following an increase in prescription duration, you may experience a drop in items dispensed. As a result, you’ll earn fewer fees.
You can claim for an affected month for any lost fees and allowances.
Claiming
You must read the information in Part XIVC of the Drug Tariff before submitting a claim for a temporary safeguarding payment.
To submit a claim for a temporary safeguarding payment, complete the relevant form on our website.