Use this API to access the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). EPS allows a prescriber (such as a GP) to send prescriptions electronically to a dispenser (such as a pharmacy) of the patient's choice. This makes the prescribing and dispensing process more efficient and convenient for patients and staff.

You can do different things, depending on your role.

As a prescriber you can:

• send prescriptions to EPS
• cancel prescriptions

As a dispenser you can:

• receive prescriptions from EPS
• confirm a prescription is dispensed
• claim for a dispensed prescription

Prescribing

Prescribing documents and guidance include:

• the Electronic prescriptions for prescribers guide lists the benefits EPS gives to prescribers

• the dm+d Dictionary of Medicines and Devices guide (for primary care)  lists the medicines that can be prescribed via the EPS

• the EPS prescribing systems compliance specification details the compliance requirements and business processes, which need to be done by pharmacy, primary medical care contractors and system suppliers when operating EPS Release 2

• the EPS prescription token specification identifies overprinting requirements for FP10-based stationery used with the EPS

• a guide to a reduced scope for prescribing suitable for some intended care settings. The main requirements are to support acute medications and one off nominations for prescriptions, rather than using or amending the patient's own nominated dispenser in PDS. 

Dispensing

Dispensing documents and guidance include:

• the Electronics prescriptions for dispensers guide lists the benefits EPS gives to dispensers and for people who are prescribed medication

• the EPS Dispensing systems compliance specification specifies what you need to support EPS dispensing systems - including EPS objectives, Spine Core and EPS compliance as well as business continuity

• the printing specification for paper prescriptions

Prescribing and dispensing

Prescribing and dispensing documents include:

• the Electronic Prescription Service identifiers guide explains and lists the various identification codes used within the prescription service

• the EPS Requirements guide lists the documents which deal with integrating prescribing and dispensing systems with the Electronic Prescription Service

• the Finding an electronic prescription guide explains how dispensing pharmacies can find and track prescriptions on their systems

• the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) page explains how the NHS Business Services Authority works with others to increase the use of EPS and repeat dispensing

• the Electronic Prescription Service release 2 clinical assurance document (EPS R2) explains how an EPS system delivers, deploys and operates safely for patients

Other useful information

Other useful information includes:

• the EPS schedule 2 & 3 controlled drugs requirements document contains extra requirements for the EPS to permit the prescribing and dispensing of schedule 2 & 3 controlled drugs using EPS - you need to read this alongside with the EPS Prescribing or EPS Dispensing Systems Compliance specifications

• The NHS dictionary of medicines and devices (dm+d) compliance requirement document sets out the compliance requirements for people who use and apply dm+d within their systems

• the RBAC implementation guidance for EPS R2 provides guidance to EPS system suppliers on how to map local access control functions with the national activity codes defined within the National RBAC Database (NRD)

• the IG National RBAC Database (NRD) contains the national Role Based Access Control (RBAC) attribute definitions for job roles, areas of work and activities along with the national baseline policy

• the Guidance for endorsement page shows how your endorsement of NHS prescriptions helps make sure we have the correct information for reimbursement and remuneration and that you can sort, submit and endorse prescriptions

• the Nomination requirements for system suppliers document covers the electronic transmission of prescriptions - including explaining how to use web service functions and what technical details are needed so people can integrate their systems

• the EPS R2 training and guidance strategy document outlines the national strategy for training and guidance to support everyone who is involved with EPS R2 in England

• the Digital signature toolkit contains a set of signed messages along with the steps that system suppliers, GPs, pharmacies and PPD (Prescription Pricing Division) systems need to create and validate signatures

• the ETP web services client source code links to the digital signature toolkit guidance

• the EPS infrastructure specification defines the requirements for EPS system suppliers who are seeking EPS compliance

• the ETP message signing requirements document describes how to  implement advanced electronic signatures within EPS R2 for prescribing and dispensing systems

• the Digital signature and non-repudiation requirements document tells people about the standards, manner, and usage of Advanced Electronic Signatures (Digital Signatures) within NHS Care Records Service (NHS CRS) compliant systems

• the Open access for test environment page explains how you can test your healthcare applications by connecting them to Opentest on our Spine test environment