Q. Is it possible to use my computer to write controlled drug prescriptions?

A. In May 2017, a new 'Misuse of Drug Regulations' Act was passed and has changed how GPs should write controlled drug prescriptions. This includes changes to Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs such as opiates, and creates a new category of Schedule 1 Part 4 drugs, which are benzodiazepines and 'z-drugs', eg. zopiclone and zolpidem.

For Schedule 2 and 3 drugs, the big and welcome change for GPs is that the name and address of the person for whom the treatment is issued no longer requires to be handwritten. The name, dosage and preparation of the drug still needs to be handwritten, as does the total quantity of the medication (in both words and numbers). To fulfil the requirements, a GP can print a blank prescription that contains the patient and prescriber details, and then handwrite the medication details as above. The detail of the prescribed item should always be recorded in the patient chart.

For Schedule 4 Part 1 drugs the entire prescription can be computer-generated and printed. The additional requirement is that the total quantity of medication should be written in both words and numbers (some GP software systems will recognise these medications and do this automatically). It is permissible under the legislation to issue repeat prescriptions of Schedule 4 Part 1 drugs if clinically indicated. Other points to note for both categories include:

• The first name of the prescriber should be included on the prescription
• The prescriber's registration number should be included
• Printed labels with the patient's name and address do not meet the requirements
• The phone number of the prescriber should be included.

More detail about these changes are available on the ICGP website www.icgp.ie or the Medical Council website www.medicalcouncil.ie (search 'Drugs Regulations 2017').