ABSTRACT
Consultants and general practitioners (GPs) may prescribe for private or National Health Service (NHS) patients. Once a GP prescribers he is accepting the clinical and legal responsibility for his action. Data sheet information can change, and the doctor is responsible for keeping himself up to date. Clinical responsibility should determine responsibility for prescribing. Responsible prescribing is not 'cheap' prescribing, but should be cost-effective prescribing. The prescriber must give appropriate advice to the patient about the drugs prescribed. Bulk prescribing is restricted to drugs and appliances prescribable under the NHS, but excludes 'prescription-only medicines'. A doctor may be asked to complete drug charts at a residential home. Many GPs will use unwanted drugs which have been returned to the surgery. This practice is risky in the event of a problem, and the doctor should be aware of product liability law. Hurried signature of batches of computer generated repeat prescriptions can be hazardous for the unwary doctor.
