New arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and urology appliances – and related services – in primary care
Important changes are being made to the Terms of Service for pharmacies that dispense appliances listed in Part IX of the Drug Tariff. These will come into effect from 1 April 2010, and will affect all pharmacies – even if they do not normally supply these appliances.
Pharmacies wishing to provide advanced services under the contract (customisation of appliances and Appliance Use Reviews (AURs) have to register their intent with the NHS Business Services Authority and the PCT. The relevant form (Advanced Services Declaration) can be accessed here, and completed forms should be sent to the NHSBSA, copy to Linda Barnard.
Under the provisions of the regulations, pharmacies may not carry out advanced services until they have successfully attained compliance to the essential services of the scheme. To achieve this, the PCT will carry out monitoring against the regulations, hence the requirement to inform Linda Barnard when the pharmacy wishes to carry out advanced services.
