Becoming a Level 1 OST Prescriber
Any GP wishing to take part in the provision of treatment services to drug users must undertake training as provided by the ICGP.
A Level 1 GP Prescriber can treat stabilised opiate dependent persons in their own practice. Patients may be referred from HSE Drug Treatment Centres, satellite clinics, or Level 2 GPs. Ideally, the client would be attending this GP for all his/her primary care requirements.
What is required to become a Level 1 Prescriber?
Step 1 Online Training: Substance Misuse Foundation Course
Step 2 - Contact the HSE
Once you have successfully completed the online training and received your certificate of completion from the ICGP, contact your local GP Co-ordinator to start the process of taking on patients. You will need to sign a Level 1 contract with your local HSE Primary Care office and once you have signed this you can start treating patients.
Please note, remuneration is via the PCRS on receipt of monthly returns. Click here for more information.
Step 3 - Full Accreditation
Accreditation as a Level 1 GP is awarded when you have successfully completed an audit on a minimum of five patients under your care for one year. Please be aware that an annual audit is a contractual obligation. Click here for more information on the audit.
