The MHRA has published a “working draft” of the progress made so far on consolidating reviewing the Medicines Act 1968 and its subordinate legislation. This is an “informal” consultation and views are invited by end September 2010. A formal consultation will follow in spring 2011.

A consultation (MLX 371) has been issued to amend medicines legislation to allow student midwives access to the parenteral medicines which can be administered by registered midwives. Consultation closes on 19th November 2010.

A consultation (MLX 370) has been issued on how how current guidance can be expanded to provide additional support for community pharmacists when dispensing prescriptions from the EEA (European Economic Area). Consultation closes on 24th September 2010.

The DH has issued a consultation on “whether delivery of adjudication (for Fitness to Practise of health professionals) can be delivered more proportionately through other means (than through the Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator)”. Cases concerning FtP of pharmacists were likely to be brought under the OHPA within the next few years. This policy is being reviewed. Consultation closes on 11th October 2010.

The coalition government’s White Paper for health in England: “Equity and Excellence – Liberating the NHS” was published on 12th July. Some proposed changes include the abolition of PCTs and StHAs from April 2013 and a transition to commissioning of all health services by general practice groups which will be subject to a new NHS Outcomes Framework; the establishment of an NHS Commissioning Board (which will award the family practitioners contracts including community pharmacy) and of Health Watch (patient and public involvement bodies) within the Care Quality Commission; public health responsibilities will pass to the relevant Local Authority and much more!