Regs reminder (#4): Updating DoS profiles
Ahead of the 2021/22 contract monitoring process, community pharmacy contractors are reminded of recent changes to the pharmacy Terms of Service. This article is part of a series of reminders.
On 20th October 2020 new NHS regulations were laid to introduce changes to the Terms of Service for pharmacy contractors. PSNC issued a series of 14 Regs explainer articles in November 2020 to help contractors and their teams to understand the new requirements.
Whilst deadlines for compliance with the changes have now passed, the end of 2020 was a particularly busy time for pharmacies, so contractors are advised to review our reminders in preparation for completing the 2021/22 Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF) survey, which will include questions on some aspects of the new Terms of Service.
What is required?
Contractors must ensure there is a comprehensive and accurate profile for their pharmacy in the Directory of Services (DoS). Contractors must also ensure they verify and, where necessary, update the information contained in DoS at least once each quarter of the financial year.
The current financial quarter is 1st April to 30th June 2021. If contractors have not yet verified or updated their profile within this quarter, they are encouraged to do so soon to ensure they have included any changes to their opening hours for the Spring bank holiday (31st May 2021).
Even if no changes have been made during the current financial quarter, contractors must still verify the information contained in DoS as this creates a record which will act as evidence to NHS England and NHS Improvement that these actions have been undertaken.
Contractors are able to search and update their DoS profiles using the DoS Profile Updater. As all DoS profiles should contain the ODS code, contractors should search by ODS code or postcode to ensure all of their service profiles are included on the DoS. The tool includes a ‘Date Last Reviewed‘. When pharmacy team members first begin a review of a pharmacy, the updating tool will show the date that it was last reviewed.
Where can I get more support on this?
Further guidance on how to access and use the DoS Profile Update can be found on PSNC’s DoS webpage.
