Shared Care Agreement Policy - January 2025

A Shared Care Agreement is where a specialist medication, one that can only be initiated by a Specialist Consultant, is prescribed by a GP under agreement of shared responsibility between the GP and the Consultant. This allows patients to receive medication from the practice that usually can only be prescribed by the Specialist Consultant.

There are many considerations and regulations around when a shared care agreement can be undertaken and when it must be stopped.

Between NHS providers each shared care agreement's regulations have been agreed in advance and are usually straight forward.

For private providers it can be more difficult to establish a safe shared care agreement. 

The current guidance from the BMA is not to enter shared care agreements with private providers. You can find their recommendation here: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/gp-practices/managing-workload/general-practice-responsibility-in-responding-to-private-healthcare

Always discuss with your GP if you have questions relating to shared care agreements or specialist medication advice. Some private providers can promote receiving medication under a shared care agreement by your GP as a means of affordability, giving the expectation of an NHS prescription after assessment. This can be misleading, especially with recent guidance above which specifically advises against it.

Some shared care agreements have previously been agreed with private providers. For patients where these agreements are still in place they will continue as long as safe to do so. New shared care agreements with private providers are unlikely to be agreed to unless the guidance above changes.

It is important to remember some medication cannot be prescribed at all by your GP.  Your GP will always discuss with you any reasons for not prescribing medication and support you to ensure you understand the next steps.