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Information and guidance on prescribing in general practice

September 2004

Introduction
This guidance was put together by the Prescribing Subcommittee to meet the increasing demand from individuals and organisations for information relating to prescribing in general practice. Doctors have specific clinical rights and responsibilities in relation to prescribing, and as most general practitioners work within the NHS, they are also bound by the NHS regulatory system.

This guidance is set out in a series of questions and answers for ease of use. The earlier part of this guidance deals with general issues around prescribing that may also be of particular interest when dealing with queries from patients. The later sections are likely to be of most interest to doctors, PCTs and other NHS organisations.