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Extension of temporary suspension of the need for signatures on prescriptions, dental and ophthalmic forms

This is an announcement on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has approved an extension to an existing temporary measure in England to help limit the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) by suspending the need for patients to sign prescription, dental and ophthalmic forms. The suspension was initially for a period of 5 months up to 31 March 2021 and is now extended for a further 3 months until 30 June 2021.

This is to avoid cross-contamination and help minimise the handling of paperwork when collecting medicines or receiving dental and eye care. This will, however, be kept under review and may be extended, if there continues to be a cross-infection risk, or removed, as soon as it is deemed safe for patients to resume signing forms.

This change is not reflected in the published April 2021 Drug Tariff.”

See Drug Tariff part XVI - notes on charges 29 March 2021