The high tech scheme is a government reimbursement scheme which falls under the jurisdiction of the HSE. Any pharmacist participating and delivering care to a patient under this scheme must ensure that they adhere fully to the operational requirements provided by the HSE.
Under this scheme the HSE requires that high tech medicines are initiated by a consultant doctor, who is responsible for overseeing the patient’s therapy and care, and therefore their review at appropriate intervals, depending on the clinical particulars.
If the date of review of therapy specified by the consultant on the high tech prescription is for a period that exceeds 6 months and the GP is satisfied that it is appropriate for the patient to continue to take the medicine, they can issue a prescription for the high tech medicine provided that the product is for use within the specified review date. The GP would be accepting responsibility for this supply and must be satisfied that it is safe and appropriate for the patient when each prescription is issued.
This is set out in Section 2.1 Prescription Requirements of the PSI’s guidance
Good Dispensing Practice – High Tech Scheme.