The CPS Snapshot - 16.03.26
Published: 19th March 2026
Welcome to the CPS Snapshot, a new weekly update designed to keep our members informed about the work Community Pharmacy Scotland is doing on your behalf. Each week we will share a brief overview of the key policy activity, audit and services work taking place to support and represent the community pharmacy network.
Audit & Services Snapshot – w/c 7th March)
Audit & Prescription Checking
Our Audit & Services Team continue their daily audit work through random prescription checking and targeted checks on lines of concern. From our checks we give members feedback on the quality of their submissions detailing our findings of anomalies of endorsing (paper and electronic), claiming of handling charges, out of pocket expenses, ePay discrepancies on pack size and quantities, whole packs, Methadone fees and missed opportunities for instalment claiming and broken bulk and any adjustments that may be made.
Prescription Collection Courier Service
Today was courier collection day (19 March 2026), and the whole team has been working hard to keep everything running smoothly. With the recent changes to how the service operates, we’ve been supporting contractors to make sure prescriptions reach PSD on time and can be processed accurately for payment.
Adjusted Prices & Part 7 Updates
Emma R has updated the Adjusted Prices and Part 7 of the Scottish Drug Tariff. When contractors spot items priced above tariff, they record these through our Shortage Reporter. We then submit this evidence to Public Health Scotland (PHS). As part of our remit we regularly report concerns and negotiate adjusted prices with Scottish Government and PHS.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Changes
Ann, Emma T and Gavin have been preparing for the upcoming PVG Scheme changes, which take effect on 1 April 2026. They’ve been keeping members informed through website updates, emails, and other digital channels to make sure pharmacy teams and contractor members know what to expect.
Monthly Pricing Enquiry
Our Audit & Services Co‑ordinator, Shaun, completed this month’s pricing enquiry. We carry this work out on behalf of the Scottish Government. For several years this was done quarterly, but it is now a monthly process and forms part of the margin‑sharing arrangements agreed within the financial package for community pharmacies.
The pricing enquiry involves a spot check of invoices, credit notes and supplier statements for a random sample of contractors for a full month. Contractors also provide a statement of any other benefits or inducements linked to the purchase of medicines for NHS dispensing during that period.
Policy & Development snapshot
On Friday we will be attending the Robert Gordon University Pharmacy Careers Fair and delivering a presentation on Community Pharmacy in Scotland to stage 3 MPharm students.
CPS Board Pharmacy First subgroup met for the first time this Tuesday - smaller group looking at recommendations on various elements of the service going forward
Adam attended the SNP election campaign conference, engaging with MSPs and election candidates on our Manifesto. We also caught up with colleagues in Cancer Research UK, Alcohol Focus and Chest, Heart and Stroke to look at how we work together in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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CPS supports contractors through the courier service to ensure prescriptions reach PSD on time for accurate payment processing.
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They check random and targeted prescriptions, identify anomalies, highlight claiming issues, and provide feedback on endorsing quality, handling charges, expenses, pack sizes, Methadone fees, and missed claiming opportunities.
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As part of our remit we regularly report concerns and negotiate adjusted prices with Scottish Government and PHS.
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CPS contributed to careers outreach at RGU, met Pharmacy First subgroup members, and engaged MSPs and third‑sector partners on future health priorities.
Read our response to the GPhC consultation on draft rules and standards for Responsible and Superintendent Pharmacists, following legislative changes in 2022.