A regular patient requests an emergency supply of all repeats; Which statement is correct regarding emergency supply?

A regular patient requests an emergency supply of all repeats; Which statement is correct regarding emergency supply?

• A. For any medicines supplied, a record must be made in the POM register
• B. You may supply as many days as patient asks without record
• C. You must obtain GP signature
• D. You should refuse emergency supply

Answer: (B)

When a patient asks for an emergency supply of a prescription-only medicine, you can provide a short-term bridging amount to meet an immediate need, but you must keep a clear record. The key requirement is to log the emergency supply in the POM register, including what was supplied, the quantity, patient details, date, and any notes. This creates an audit trail and helps ensure continuity of care when the patient obtains a formal prescription. You don’t need a GP signature for the emergency supply itself, but you should inform the patient’s GP and encourage obtaining a proper prescription as soon as possible. You should not view the emergency supply as unlimited; the quantity should cover the immediate need and align with local guidance, and it must be recorded. Refusing an emergency supply or supplying without any record would not be appropriate in a genuine urgent situation.

When a patient asks for an emergency supply of a prescription-only medicine, you can provide a short-term bridging amount to meet an immediate need, but you must keep a clear record. The key requirement is to log the emergency supply in the POM register, including what was supplied, the quantity, patient details, date, and any notes. This creates an audit trail and helps ensure continuity of care when the patient obtains a formal prescription.

You don’t need a GP signature for the emergency supply itself, but you should inform the patient’s GP and encourage obtaining a proper prescription as soon as possible. You should not view the emergency supply as unlimited; the quantity should cover the immediate need and align with local guidance, and it must be recorded. Refusing an emergency supply or supplying without any record would not be appropriate in a genuine urgent situation.