Mental Health  |  OST Prescribing Pathway - Agents acting on behalf

Agents Collecting on Behalf of a Patient:

A GP can authorise an agent to collect methadone on behalf of a patient in extraordinary circumstances where the patient is unable to attend the pharmacy   e.g. when they are house-bound due to illness. Circumstances necessitating the authorization of an agent must be verified with the patient and the agent.

Authorization of an agent is limited to a maximum of 3 doses of methadone or suboxone dispensing.

Authorization must be made in writing and faxed to the appropriate pharmacy and include:

• Name and address of the agent.
• Type of identification provided by agent.
• Number of doses the agent is authorised to collect.
• Signature of the authorising GP.
  
  

The authorised agent must provide suitable identification.

Note:

• The GP must feel confident that the authorised agents can responsibly manage and administer the methadone/suboxone(s).
• Discussion about safety of takeaways is essential e.g. storage away from children, no replacement of lost or stolen doses.