Enabling pharmacist flexibilities when dispensing medicines

This consultation seeks views on proposals to enable pharmacist flexibilities when dispensing medicines.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 11 December 2025

Consultation description

We propose to amend the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to increase pharmacist flexibilities when dispensing medicines by enabling pharmacists working in a community pharmacy to supply a different strength or formulation (which may mean a different quantity) of the same medicine originally prescribed, in certain circumstances.

The aims of this proposal are to:

• improve patient access to medicines
• reduce the burden on healthcare systems
• improve person-centred care

We are not expecting this measure to resolve all the issues surrounding medicine supply difficulties, but it is another tool for pharmacists to improve patient access to their medicines.

We intend to use this consultation to seek views on whether respondents agree with our proposal and to further assess any measurable impacts, risks and benefits before deciding whether to proceed with legislative change.

Documents

Enabling pharmacist flexibilities when dispensing medicines

Impact assessment

Ways to respond

Respond online