Purpose and Scope
This policy outlines our practice’s requirements for prescribing medication for gender incongruence. It establishes our non-negotiable protocols for shared care arrangements between our practice and specialist services.
Core Requirements
Specialist Initiation and Stabilisation
Our practice will only prescribe medication that has been initiated and stabilised by a consultant specialist. The patient must remain under the active care and supervision of the specialist service throughout their treatment – we will not assume full clinical responsibility for prescribing and monitoring. There are no exceptions to these requirements.
The specialist must provide clear documentation demonstrating that the medication regimen has been stabilised before any transfer of prescribing responsibilities will be considered. Regular specialist review must continue throughout the duration of prescribing.
Shared Care Agreement
A formal shared care agreement is mandatory before our practice will take over prescribing responsibilities. This agreement should include, but is not limited to:
– Clear delineation of responsibilities
– Complete medication details
– Specific monitoring requirements
– Emergency protocols
– Contact arrangements
Acceptance Criteria
Shared care agreements that do not fully meet our practice’s requirements will be rejected. Our practice will not engage in negotiations or discussions about rejected agreements. The specialist service must submit a new agreement that meets all criteria if they wish to proceed.
Modifications and Changes
Our practice has no capacity or funding to engage in discussions about alterations or changes to shared care agreements. Any proposed modifications must be:
– Initiated by the specialist service
– Submitted as a complete new agreement
– Fully compliant with our requirements
Communication and Documentation
Effective communication between specialists and our practice is essential. All correspondence must be in writing and include comprehensive documentation of:
– Treatment decisions
– Monitoring results
– Care plan modifications
– Patient reviews
Review and Monitoring
Regular review of shared care arrangements is required to ensure patient safety and quality of care. The specialist service remains responsible for overall clinical management and must provide timely oversight.
Non-Compliance
Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in immediate rejection of the shared care agreement or return of prescribing responsibility to the specialist service.
Version Control
– Version: 1.1
– Date: 8/1/25
– Review Date: Jan 2026