PCA(P)(2023)17 - Pharmaceutical Services Amendments to the Drug Tariff

Published: 27/04/23

Purpose

This Circular advises of changes in the Drug Tariff effective for dispensing 1 May 2023 in respect of reimbursement of costs borne by community pharmacy contractors when dispensing NHS prescriptions for specialist preparations and imported unlicensed medicines listed in Part 7S. 

Detail 

Circular PCA(P) (2013) 4 advised that Part 7S would be established in the Scottish Drug Tariff. Subsequently, PCA(P) (2015) 17 provided additional detail on the Specials Authorisation Process. 

As per PCA(P) 2015 17, where a product is listed in Part 7S for a liquid or soft-paraffin-based product, that price applies to equivalent suspensions, solutions and products with a white or yellow soft paraffin base, respectively. 

From May 1st, 2023, the reimbursement system for prescriptions dispensed in primary care in Scotland will change from the current EVADIS to nDCVP. As nDCVP is a Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d) based system, it is necessary to state the specific formulations and pack sizes which will be subject to Part 7S reimbursement rules. The existing business rules for Part 7S and non-Part 7S lines remains unchanged. 

Scottish Drug Tariff Part 7S lines 

Annex A details the lines which will constitute Part 7S, effective May 1st, 2023. This will be considered “Whole packs” for reimbursement purposes. NHS Boards are advised to review the quantities on prescription to reflect these pack sizes. 

Consultation 

Community Pharmacy Scotland has been consulted on the contents of this circular.