VMD calls for prescription tampering information
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has put out a request for information concerning cases of fraud, forgery or any other form of tampering with a prescription. Although it is illegal to “alter a written prescription unless authorised to do so by the person who signed it” under the auspices of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMRs), the criminal misuse of a veterinary surgeon's identity or the improper use of electronic requests to multiple suppliers are not covered by the VMRs. The small number of reported incidents has also hindered analysis.
In response, the VMD has published the following questions for veterinary surgeons:
- Have you experienced any cases of prescription tampering, e.g., unauthorised changes to the details in the prescription or prescription forgery? If so, how many incidents have you encountered within the last 12 months (please provide details of the situation if possible).
- Is there a way we can improve or facilitate the reporting of instances where prescription tampering occurs?
- Do you consider the current system for issuing veterinary prescriptions to be adequate? If not, do you have any suggestions to introduce controls on veterinary prescriptions which can be achieved through professional self-regulation or guidance?
- Should all veterinary prescriptions be written in a standard, official template issued by a professional organisation?
- Has the amendment in 2009 to the VMR had any effect on prescription tampering?
Veterinary surgeons wishing to contribute to the exercise should address their responses to Denise Burge, Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3LS, or email d.burge@vmd.defra.gsi.gov.uk by the 25th May 2012.
More information about the exercise may be found here
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
