New law allows pharmacist and nurse independent prescribers to mix medicines (or authorise their mixing) in certain circumstances and to prescribe unlicensed medicines. Supplementary prescribers may also carry out these activities within a clinical management plan.

New law makes amendments to the 2005 pharmaceutical services regulations affecting pharmacies or other contractors who supply “specified” appliances such as catheters, incontinence or stoma appliances. Additional services, such as providing appropriate advice, offering a home delivery service and review of treatment on repeat prescriptions, must be carried out when dispensing appliances. Comes into force 1st April 2010

The draft Pharmacy Order 2009 which establishes the GPhC is now before Parliament. It also requires approval by the Privy Council.

The latest Health Act (England only) includes many non-pharmacy powers such as the piloting of personal healthcare budgets, implementing the NHS Constitution and prohibiting the display of cigarettes in shops. For pharmacy it implements the mandatory use of Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments by PCTs to manage control of entry to community NHS contracts and the submission of annual “quality accounts” (both by 2011).

Relevant sections of amending regulations to the 1983 Medical Act come into force on 16th November 2009. From this date, the GMC is introducing a licence to practise requirement for doctors undertaking any form of medical practice for which UK law requires them to hold GMC registration.Further details are given in an RPSGB Law and Ethics Bulletin.