Some prescriptions to be valid for up to a year under rule change

The move is the first in a range of recommendations on expanding the role of pharmacists and it has been welcomed by pharmacist groups.

Pharmacists will be able to extend prescriptions from six months to a year from Friday thanks to a change in rules.

The Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced that the maximum legal validity of prescriptions has been extended on prescriptions dated March 1 or later.

According to the new measures, from September patients can ask their pharmacists to extend their prescriptions up to a maximum of 12 months. Mr Donnelly said it will provide flexibility for patients and reduce the demand on primary care services.

It would also reduce the costs for patients without a GP visit card or a medical card.

"The changes taking effect today will be welcomed by many patients, particularly those who are stable on medication and who are deemed by their prescriber to be suitable to receive a 12-month prescription, as it reduces the need for repeat visits," said Mr Donnelly.

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The move is the first in a range of recommendations on expanding the role of pharmacists and it has been welcomed by pharmacist groups.

The decision on extending a prescription will be subject to person-centred criteria such as the current stability of a patient’s clinical regime, continuity of care, and lack of relevant change.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) is developing updated guidelines to support pharmacists with the safe introduction of this change.

"As experts in medicines, we are confident that pharmacists possess the knowledge and skills necessary to safely introduce this change into their practice," said Joanne Kissane, Registrar and Chief Officer, PSI.

The IPU has welcomed the introduction of prescription extension that is available from today. However, the scheme to facilitate pharmacists to extend prescriptions under defined clinical criteria needs to be adequately funded.

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The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) said that the change and any other recommendations from the Expert Taskforce to Support the Expansion of the Role of Pharmacists must be adequately resourced.

"The act of reviewing a medication and determining if it is clinically appropriate to extend must be funded appropriately and must reflect and recognise the unique skillset of pharmacists as medicines experts and their commitment to providing continuity of pharmaceutical care to their patients," said IPU acting secretary general Derek Reilly.