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Purpose of this Summary

This document provides inspectors with a concise overview of how the organisation ensures that no Prescription Only Medicine (POM) is sold, supplied, or paid for without a valid prescription, and how this process operates safely in practice across general prescribing, GLP-1 services, weight management, and online/remote care.

How the SOP Works in Practice

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1. Clear Separation of Prescribing and Purchase

• Patients are informed at multiple points (website, onboarding, consultation journey) that POMs cannot be purchased without a prescription.

• No payment is taken and no medicine is made available until a prescribing decision has been completed.

• This prevents inducement and ensures prescribing decisions are clinically led, not commercially driven.

2. Clinical Assessment First

• Every patient requesting a POM undergoes an appropriate clinical assessment by an authorised prescriber.

• Assessments are proportionate to the medicine requested and aligned with recognised clinical guidance.

• For remote and online services, assessments include structured questionnaires, review of medical history, and clinical oversight by a prescriber.

3. Independent Prescribing Decision

• Prescribers issue prescriptions only where clinically appropriate and in the patient’s best interests.

• Prescribers are responsible for:

  • Assessing suitability

  • Identifying contraindications

  • Determining dose and duration

• Prescribing decisions are documented within the patient record.

4. Prescription Verification Prior to Supply

• Before any POM is supplied or sold, staff verify:

  • That a valid prescription exists

  • That it has been issued by an authorised prescriber

  • That the medicine and quantity match the prescription

• Supply cannot proceed unless verification is complete.

5. Safe Supply and Patient Information

• Medicines are supplied strictly in line with the prescription.

• Patients receive appropriate information on safe use, storage, and follow-up.

• Ongoing monitoring arrangements are in place where clinically required.

Governance, Oversight, and Compliance

• All clinical assessments, prescriptions, and supplies are fully documented and auditable.

• Any deviation from the SOP is escalated to the Clinical Lead and reviewed through governance processes.

• Staff receive training on medicines governance and prescription verification.

• Compliance is monitored through audit and regular SOP review.

Cross-Referenced SOPs and Policies

This SOP operates alongside and is supported by the following documents:

• Medicines Management Policy – overarching governance of medicines use and supply

• Prescribing Policy – standards for safe, ethical, and evidence-based prescribing

• Online and Remote Prescribing SOP – safeguards for digital and remote consultations

• GLP-1 Prescribing SOP – specific clinical criteria, monitoring, and follow-up for GLP-1 medications

• Weight Management Service SOP – integrated approach to prescribing, lifestyle support, and ongoing review

• Consent and Capacity Policy – ensuring informed consent prior to treatment

• Data Protection and GDPR Policy – secure handling of patient information

These documents collectively demonstrate compliance with:

• Human Medicines Regulations 2012

• MHRA guidance on online and distance selling of medicines

Key Assurance Statement for Inspectors

The organisation maintains a robust system that ensures:

• Prescribing decisions are clinically led and independent of payment

• No POM is supplied without a valid prescription

• Patients are safeguarded through assessment, verification, and governance controls

This approach supports safe, effective, and compliant prescribing across all services, including GLP-1 and weight management pathways.

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