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Pharmacy technicians working under Patient Group Directions

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Topics: Patient Group DirectionsService advice and planning

Useful resources and further information for pharmacy technicians working under PGDs

Contents

  1. Legislation changes
  2. Supporting the use of PGDs in practice
  3. External resources
    1. Educational resources
    2. PGD guidance
  5. Pharmacy technician professional support
  6. Update history

Legislation changes

Since the 26th June 2024, registered pharmacy technicians in England have been able to supply and/or administer medicines under Patient Group Directions (PGDs), following amendments made to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.

This does not extend to controlled drugs. Supply and/or administration of Controlled Drugs under a PGD (SPS page) contains further information.

Supporting the use of PGDs in practice

These SPS resources will provide background knowledge on the use of PGDs in practice. To help you decide whether to use a PGD or a different mechanism, see When PGDs can be used (SPS page) and When not to use a PGD (SPS page).

PGDs in practice explainer videos

Short videos explaining Patient Group Directions (PGDs) and medicines mechanisms, and their use in practice.

Legal mechanisms to supply and administer medicines to individuals

The main legal mechanisms used to supply and/or administer medicines are explained and considerations suggested for the most appropriate option(s)

Introduction to PGDs

Understand what a Patient Group Direction (PGD) is and how it is used in clinical practice.

P and GSL medicines with PGDs

Understanding where PGDs can and cannot be used for the supply and/or administration of P and GSL medicines helps ensure correct legal mechanisms in practice.

When not to use a PGD

Understanding when PGDs are an unsuitable mechanism for the supply and/or administration of medicines ensures an alternative legal framework is used.

When PGDs can be used

Understanding when PGDs are a suitable mechanism for the supply and/or administration of medicines ensures an appropriate legal framework for service provision.

External resources

The below links are for non-SPS resources

Educational resources

PGD guidance

Pharmacy technician professional support

If you need further advice on PGD legislation, development and use in practice in NHS or NHS commissioned services in England, contact SPS at lnwh-tr.sps-pgd@nhs.net

For other medicines advice contact SPS Medicines Advice (SPS page).

For professional support contact The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK).

Update history

  1. Republished
  2. Updated to reflect 1st April 2026 legislation changes (wording removed regarding Occupational Health services) and webinar removed as 2 years since publication.
  1. Video format updated
  1. Repeating links replaced with links to relevant SPS PGD resources
  1. Additional clarification that written instructions in OHS cannot legally include Pharmacy Technicians
  1. Additional link to SPS OHS PGD pages added
  1. Added signposting to PGD articles
  1. Webinar recording and CPPE e-learning programme link added
  1. Published
  2. APTUK resources link updated