New Decree Allows Pharmacists to Renew Expired Prescriptions for Chronic Conditions

A new decree in France aims to ensure continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions by allowing pharmacists to renew expired prescriptions under specific circumstances. Published in the Official Journal on November 28, 2024, Decree n°2024-1070 grants pharmacists the ability to dispense necessary medications and medical devices for up to three months on a case-by-case basis, divided into successive one-month deliveries. This measure is intended to prevent disruptions in treatment that could negatively impact patient health, especially in situations where doctor’s appointments are hard to come by.

Renewals on an “Exceptional Basis”

It is important to note that this new provision is intended for exceptional circumstances and is not a blanket replacement for routine doctor consultations. The prescription must clearly identify the medication, and the pharmacist is obligated to inform both the prescriber and health insurance of the renewal through secure messaging. The decree specifies that medications with legally mandated prescription durations limited to 12 weeks, such as hypnotics, anxiolytics, and contraceptives, are excluded from this provision.

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Pharmacists Praised, Doctors Express Concerns

The move has been welcomed by pharmacist associations, who see it as a positive step towards strengthening their role in patient care. “This new mission establishes the role of guarantor of the safety and continuity of treatments fulfilled by the pharmacist,” said the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF) in a press release. “In the event of a doctor’s unavailability, particularly in medical deserts, patients will be able to count on their pharmacist and the proximity of a pharmacy in order to avoid any interruption of treatment that is detrimental to their health.”

Not all healthcare professionals share the same enthusiasm. Some doctors have expressed concerns, pointing out the importance of regular consultations for chronic conditions. “For my chronic polymedicated patients, there is hardly a renewal consultation where there is no change in dosage and treatment!” remarked Dr. Jean-Christophe Nogrette, deputy general secretary of the general practitioners union MG France, to Doctor’s Daily. “The medical situation of our patients is changing and so are our prescriptions.”

The debate surrounding this new decree highlights the ongoing discussions about the evolving role of pharmacists in the healthcare system and the need to strike a balance between access to medication and the importance of ongoing medical supervision.

How ⁤does the French healthcare system now‍ address ⁢continuity of⁢ care for patients with chronic conditions living in remote areas?

## Interview: Pharmacists Gain New Powers in ⁣France

**Host:** Joining‌ us⁢ today to ‍discuss ⁤a new decree impacting French healthcare is Dr. Marie⁢ Dubois, a ​practicing physician and healthcare policy expert.⁢ Welcome to the show, Dr. Dubois.

**Dr.⁣ Dubois:** Thank you for having me.

**Host:**​ Doctor, a new decree was recently published allowing pharmacists to renew expired prescriptions ‍for⁢ chronic conditions. Can you elaborate on what this means for patients and pharmacists alike?

**Dr. Dubois:** That’s right. Decree n°2024-1070, published in ‌the Official Journal on November‍ 28th, 2024, allows pharmacists to renew‍ prescriptions for​ chronic​ conditions under certain circumstances. Essentially, it aims to bridge⁢ the gap when patients have⁤ difficulty obtaining timely⁢ appointments with their doctors.

**Host:**​ So, this doesn’t mean patients can skip their doctor’s visits altogether?

**Dr. Dubois:** Absolutely ‍not. ⁢It’s crucial to understand that this is intended for exceptional cases. The ⁤prescription ‍needs to clearly identify the medication and its necessity, and pharmacists⁤ are obligated‍ to‌ inform‌ both ​the prescriber and health insurance about the renewal.

**Host:** What kind⁤ of impact do you anticipate ⁢this‌ will have on patients with chronic conditions?

**Dr. Dubois:** This‍ is a big step towards ensuring ⁤continuity of⁤ care for‍ these patients. It can be particularly beneficial for⁢ those who face⁤ difficulties accessing healthcare, whether due to⁣ geographic location, limited mobility, or simply the wait times for appointments. This can help prevent interruptions in their ⁣treatment and ‍potentially‍ negative health consequences.

**Host:** Are there‍ any concerns about ‍potential downsides to this new measure?

**Dr.⁣ Dubois:** ⁤There’s always ‌the potential‍ for misuse, ‌but the decree includes safeguards like the mandatory notification to prescribers and health insurance. Ultimately, ​the success of this measure​ hinges ​on open communication and collaboration between pharmacists, doctors, and patients.

**Host:** Thank you for shedding light on⁣ this important development,​ Dr. Dubois. We appreciate your ‌time and expertise.

**Dr. Dubois:** It was my pleasure.