Deadline Approaches for Blister Packaging Solutions in Pharmacies

Under the current regulations concerning electronic prescriptions (E-prescriptions), pharmacies are mandated to maintain batch documentation. This requirement poses significant challenges for home-care pharmacies that prepare individualized blister packs for patients. The existing transitional regulation is set to expire soon.

According to recent mandates, pharmacies must comply with batch documentation when dealing with prescription medicines that include a Data Matrix code. However, when it comes to blister-packed medications, the batch number cannot be transmitted at the time of E-prescription billing.

In November 2023, following intervention from the Federal Ministry of Health, the German Pharmacists' Association (DAV) and the GKV-Spitzenverband reached a temporary agreement. This arrangement permits pharmacies to enter the term "STELLEN" in the electronic dispensing data set instead of the batch number for blister-packed medications until the end of June 2025.

As the deadline approaches, the so-called "E-Prescription Enthusiasts" have expressed their concerns. They have reached out to the DAV leadership, emphasizing the urgent need for an extension of the transitional period, as no permanent solution has been established yet. In a letter to the DAV, the association stated the necessity for at least a one-year extension to allow for the development of a viable solution for blister-packed medications.

The DAV has confirmed that discussions with the GKV-Spitzenverband are ongoing, with a goal to find a resolution before the deadline. However, specific details regarding potential solutions have not yet been disclosed.

At a recent annual meeting, Heike Gnekow, the chairperson of the Federal Association of Home Care Pharmacists (BVVA), provided some insights. She mentioned that a technical solution addressing the blister packaging issue is currently in development. This initiative is modeled after an existing supplementary agreement involving the BVVA, the Federal Association of Patient-Individual Blistering (BPAV), and the AOK health insurance.

Gnekow expressed optimism that the matter could soon be resolved, stating that efforts are underway to finalize the appropriate measures. The urgency of this issue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by pharmacies in adapting to new regulations while ensuring patient care remains uninterrupted.