The specifications describe the specific print requirements for prescription form and non-FP10 supply form overprinting that will allow prescribers to print prescriptions using GP/pharmacy/out of hours, hospital and private controlled drug (CD) prescribers IT systems. The private CD prescribers’ specification supports the recommendations made as part of the Government's response to the Shipman Inquiry.
It is important that these specifications are followed to ensure that forms are consistently overprinted to a high standard. This enables our core processing functions to take place, within agreed timescales.
There are several requirements within the print specifications that are very specific as the data elements will be scanned and processed using Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) technology and interpreted automatically
- Where the requirement is mandatory the word 'shall' is used
- Where the requirement is desirable the word 'should' is used
- In the context of the specifications, 'employed by' when referring to pharmacist prescribers is the term used to describe a qualified pharmacist/ prescribers that have an agreed contract/ prescribing arrangement with a practice and/or PCT.
The prescription overprint specifications have been revised to incorporate overprint changes/ additions in the following areas:
- New nurse name terminology
- Safer management of controlled drug requirements
- Age and date of birth print format
- Patient NHS number reference
- Change to minimum font size for prescriber/initiative description
- Revised prescription form mockups
- Prescribed medication items printing requirements.