Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order further amends the Medicines (Pharmacy and General Sale – Exemption) Order 1980 (“the principal Order”) which provides for exemptions to sections 52 and 53 of the Medicines Act 1968(restrictions on the sale or supply of medicinal products).

Article 2 inserts additional definitions into the principal Order. In particular, it amends the definition of “supplementary prescriber” to include chiropodists and podiatrists, physiotherapists and diagnostic or therapeutic radiographers. It also inserts various definitions relevant to the amendment made in article 3, which permits the supply of general sale medicines by a prison officer to a prisoner for the purpose of treatment of that prisoner.

Article 3 amends Schedule 1 to the principal Order. It makes changes to the exemptions from sections 52 and 53 of the Medicines Act 1968, (restrictions on the sale or supply of medicinal products), contained in that Schedule. First, the article makes changes to the list of medicines which may be sold or supplied by a registered ophthalmic optician. Secondly, the article provides for the supply of general sale medicines by a prison officer to a prisoner for the purpose of treatment of that prisoner.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment in relation to this Order has been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament and copies may be obtained from the Department of Health, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Information Centre, Room 10-202 Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane, London SW8 5NQ.