Published: 07/12/20

Introduction

This circular advises NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors of changes in the Drug Tariff with respect of remuneration for the dispensing September 2020.

Background

Circular PCA(P)(2020) 19 updated on the approach to support the Scottish Drug Tariff and contractor cashflow and to deliver the guaranteed income, an additional payment relating to September 2020 dispensing month has been agreed following discussions with Community Pharmacy Scotland.

Monitoring the delivery of the guaranteed income to contractors will continue for the remainder of 2020/21 and should further payment be required, they will be paid a month in arrears (for example if a payment is required for September dispensing which is paid at the end of November, this will be paid at the end of December).

Detail

A change in the Drug Tariff in respect of these months will be made as follows;

• An income balancing payment is introduced for dispensing month September only. The payment to each eligible contractor is calculated as a percentage of their Part 7 non-ZD gross ingredient cost for the dispensing month in question.

The payment adjustment is as follows;

• September 2.5%

Eligibility for the payment is to be on the pharmaceutical list on any day in that month and to have a part 7 non-ZD gross ingredient cost paid for that dispensing month by Practitioner Services.

Consultation

Community Pharmacy Scotland have been consulted on the content of this circular.

Action

NHS Boards are asked to:

• note the contents of this Circular

• copy to all community pharmacy contractors on their pharmaceutical list, Health and Social Care Partnerships and Area Pharmaceutical Committees for information.