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NHS England has updated its standards for the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) to emphasise that “patients must choose their own nomination” and confirm that ‘auto-nominating’ software tools must not be used. 

Published yesterday (May 6), the updated standards state clearly the rule that dispensers must follow and that they must neither “offer inducement or incentives” to encourage patients to nominate them or attempt to persuade, influence or challenge the patient’s choice “in any way”.

The standards also remind IT developers, website managers “and any other third party services” that they “must not develop functionality that would support a healthcare provider to either access that patient’s nomination data from the Patient Demographic Service (PDS) or change that patient’s nomination without the explicit consent of the patient for each occurrence”.

NHSE said: “Contractors must only change nominations at the patient’s request, explaining how EPS works, recording the nomination changes promptly, and must not influence patient choice or offer inducements. 

“They must have clear, auditable processes; to show they are acting on behalf of the patient.  

“Third party apps, or webpages supporting nomination changes must also follow these standards.”

Concerns have been raised in recent months that some pharmacy technology providers have allowed their customers to re-nominate patients who had taken their prescription elsewhere. 

Community Pharmacy England commented: “This follows renewed scrutiny of nomination practices and reinforces the principle that patients must be able to set or change their nomination freely, without pressure or unwanted intervention.”

Related: Questions over ‘managed nominations’ claims in PMR marketing materials