Explanatory Note for Pharmacists, on the Supply of ‘Emergency’ Prescription-Only Medicines to a Listed Organisation

The purpose of this explanatory note is to facilitate pharmacists and pharmacy owners in meeting the legal requirements for the supply of prescription-only medicines from a pharmacy to a listed organisation, for use in an emergency. This explanatory note outlines the various requirements to be fulfilled before a pharmacist can make such a supply.  

Organisations which are entered onto the list of ‘Listed Organisations’ are able to procure the prescription-only medicines from a pharmacy without a prescription. These medicines must be stored on the premises of the organisation and can only be used for supply and administration in an emergency.  

In order to supply or administer one of these medicines in an emergency, the person doing so must be engaged or employed by the listed organisation (including in a voluntary capacity) and they must have completed a training course approved by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), or another body nominated by the Minister for that purpose.  

The supply of prescription-only medicines to a listed organisation can only occur from a pharmacy, by or under the personal supervision of a pharmacist. Pharmacists have a legal and professional responsibility to ensure that these medicines are supplied with appropriate information to enable their correct use, and that the risk of them being used incorrectly or to cause harm is minimised.  

For further guidance on this area, please see our supply of emergency medicines section.