Electronic signatures

The CCA supports the amendment of the Prescription Only Medicines (Human Use) Order 1977 in order to permit the transmission of electronic prescriptions and  supports proposals to specify an advanced electronic signature.

The CCA believes that all classes of prescriber should be able to issue prescriptions by electronic transmission. In particular the system should allow for supplementary prescribing by pharmacists and the future introduction of independent prescribing by pharmacists.

In order to support electronic prescribing by authorised healthcare professionals a quick and efficient system needs to be in place to issue electronic signatures. As pharmacists move between the pharmacy premises of member companies, there needs to be a process by which pharmacists are able to “log on” quickly at the pharmacy where they are on duty in order to ensure minimal interruption of service to patients.