Use of ‘FS’ endorsement extended to Tuberculosis (TB) treatments
From 1 December 2025, use of the ‘FS’ prescriber endorsement has been extended to treatments used in the management of tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infections, including the effects of TB and the adverse effects from TB treatment. Pharmacy teams should ensure that no prescription charge is levied for any items endorsed ‘FS’ by the prescriber.
The ‘FS’ endorsement was originally introduced in 2019 to enable prescribers to endorse a prescription to signify that items prescribed to treat a sexually transmitted infection (STI) are to be provided free-of-charge. However, amendments to NHS (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) Regulations 2015 which come into force from 1 December will now enable prescribers to apply the ‘FS’ endorsements to both STI and/or TB items ordered on NHS prescriptions so that these items can be provided free-of-charge to patients.
As a result of this change, IT system suppliers have been asked to re-name the ‘FS’ prescription charge exemption category (EPS message code 0017) from ‘Was prescribed free-of-charge STI sexual health medication’ to ‘Free supply for specified use’. The processing of prescriptions with ‘FS’-endorsed STI and/or TB items will continue to operate in the usual way. All FP10 paper prescriptions with ‘FS’ endorsed items must be placed in the red separators for end of month submission to the NHSBSA.
Please note if IT systems have not yet been updated with the new ‘FS’ description, ‘Free supply for specified use’, pharmacy teams should continue to use the existing ‘FS’ exemption category displayed on their systems. Detailed guidance on the use of ‘FS’ endorsement for TB items can be found on the NHSBSA website.
Community Pharmacy England has produced a factsheet that explains what the prescriber ‘FS’ endorsement is, how prescribers should apply this endorsement to electronic and paper prescriptions, and how pharmacies should correctly submit ‘FS’ endorsed prescriptions for payment. See our Dispensing Factsheet: ‘FS’ endorsement for ‘Free supply for specified use’.
