United Kingdom Statutory Instruments

(a) in the appropriate alphabetical position, insert - 

" "the 2000 Act" means the Electronic Communications Act 2000;",

" "electronic communication" has the same meaning as in section 15 of the 2000 Act;",

" "electronic signature" has the same meaning as in section 7 of the 2000 Act;";

(b) in the definition of "prescription form", after "means" insert ", subject to regulation 2A,".

    (3) After regulation 2, insert - 

     " 2A.  - (1) In these Regulations, where the conditions set out in paragraph (2) are met, the term "prescription form" includes data that - 


(a) are created in an electronic form and signed with an electronic signature and are transmitted as an electronic communication;

(b) are created in an electronic form and signed with an electronic signature, where both the data and the signature are entered on the prescription form in a non-legible manner;

(c) are created in writing and signed with an electronic signature which is entered on the prescription form in a non-legible manner; or

(d) are created in an electronic form and entered on the prescription form in a non-legible manner, and signed in ink.



    (2) The conditions are: - 



(a) that the prescription is an order for a drug or appliance and is issued by a doctor in connection with the provision of general medical services or personal medical services;

(b) that the order is not for an oxygen concentrator; and

(c) that the Secretary of State is satisfied that - 


(i) the use of electronic means in order to create, sign and transmit prescriptions (or whichever of those purposes is applicable) is appropriate for the purposes of a pilot scheme on the use of electronic prescribing in relation to the doctor and, where relevant, the chemist and the premises at which the prescription is dispensed; and

(ii) the particular electronic means used by the doctor and, where relevant, the chemist concerned are suitable for the purposes of such a pilot scheme.".