Suspension of patient signatures on prescription, dental and general ophthalmic services forms (extension)
Published 30 June 2021
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/temporary-approval-to-suspend-the-need-for-signatures-on-prescriptions-dental-and-ophthalmic-forms-extension-to-31-august-2021/suspension-of-patient-signatures-on-prescription-dental-and-general-ophthalmic-services-forms-extension
As part of the social distancing measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus, regulations came into force in September 2020 which enable the Secretary of State to temporarily suspend the need for patient signatures on prescription, dental and general ophthalmic services forms.
Full details are outlined in the National Health Service (Coronavirus) (Charges and Further Amendments Relating to the Provision of Primary Care Services During a Pandemic etc.) Regulations 2020.
A temporary suspension of these signatures is now in force and will last until 31 August 2021. This will, however, be kept under review and may be extended, if there continues to be a cross infection risk, or removed, as soon as it is deemed safe for patients to resume signing forms.
Actions for pharmacy, NHS dental and general ophthalmic services contractors
While the suspension is in place, we kindly ask contractors to comply with the following when accepting prescription forms or applications for NHS dental care or general ophthalmic services:
Prescription forms
Contractors are asked to confirm a patient’s eligibility for free prescriptions and mark this on the FP10 form or electronic prescription service (EPS) token, on behalf of the patient. Patients should continue to be asked to produce evidence of entitlement or the FP10 or EPS token can be marked with ‘evidence not seen’. Patients should continue to pay any relevant prescription fee if they do not have a current exemption. It is not necessary for contractors to submit EPS tokens (other than those used for Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) claims) to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) while the suspension of signature requirements remains in place. Pharmacy contractors must continue to mark appropriately the Electronic Reimbursement Endorsement Message as to whether the patients is exempted or has paid prescription charges.
NHS dental services
Contractors are asked to complete any parts of the Practice Record form (PR) or Treatment Plan (FP17DC and FP17DCO) that would usually be completed by the patient. Patients should be asked to confirm their eligibility for free NHS dental care and contractors should mark this on the appropriate section of the PR form on behalf of the patient. Patients should continue to be asked to produce evidence of entitlement or practices are asked to mark the form with evidence not seen. Where patients would sign either form, contractors are asked to annotate the form with ‘COVID-19’.
NHS general ophthalmic services
Contractors are asked to complete the relevant general optical services forms, on behalf of the patient. Patients should be asked to confirm their eligibility and for that to be marked on the relevant form. Practices should continue to ask patients to produce evidence of entitlement and should mark the form ‘evidence not seen’ if a patient does not produce this. Where patients should sign forms, contractors are asked to annotate the form with ‘COVID-19’. Signatures from contractors/performers are still required on all forms.
Signed by:
Alette Addison, Deputy Director Pharmacy, Dental and Eye care