EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order makes further amendments to—
(a)the Prescription Only Medicines (Human Use) Order 1997 (“the POM Order”) which specifies the descriptions and classes of medicines (“prescription only medicines”) which may be sold or supplied only in accordance with the prescription of an “appropriate practitioner” and may be administered only by or in accordance with the directions of such a practitioner ; and
(b)the Medicines (Pharmacy and General Sale—Exemption) Order 1980 (“the Pharmacy and General Sale Order”) which provides for exemptions from sections 52 and 53 of the Medicines Act 1968 (restrictions on the sale or supply of medicinal products).
Articles 2 to 5 amend the POM Order to make provision for optometrists who meet certain conditions (“optometrist independent prescribers”) to prescribe, administer and give directions for administration of certain prescription only medicines.
Articles 6 to 8 amend the Pharmacy and General Sale Order. In particular, article 7 amends article 4AA of that Order to provide an exemption from the restrictions on sale, offer for sale or supply in hospitals and health centres where such sale, offer for sale or supply is in accordance with the written directions of an optometrist independent prescriber.
An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as there is no significant impact on the private or voluntary sectors.