Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 360: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will amend the rules as they relate to the long-term illness scheme which ceases to apply when an individual qualifies for a medical card; the reason the rule is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6363/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Clinical best practice dictates that patients on ongoing medication should have regular contact with their general practitioner (GP). It is for this reason that the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003-2009 provide that prescriptions for medicines are not valid for more than six months. This is the rule that applies in the case of the Long Term Illness Scheme. In the case of the GMS (medical card) scheme, prescriptions are not valid for more than three months. This is designed to ensure regular reviews by GPs of their patient's medications. As GPs participating in the GMS scheme are paid on a capitation basis, this practice does not give rise to additional costs for the HSE.

There are no proposals to change the current rules.