Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances

In certain conditions some foods and toilet preparations have characteristics of drugs and the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances advises as to the circumstances in which such substances may be regarded as drugs. 

The relevant part of the Drug Tariffs is divided into two lists List A and List B. List A gives an alphabetical index of products which the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBS) has recommended for the management of the conditions shown under each product. List B is an index cross-linking clinical conditions and the products which the ACBS has approved for the management of those conditions. It is normal to consult List A first. 

Item(sj allowable on the NHS Yes, provided it is prescribed as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances. Although the prescriber does not legally have to add ACBS to the prescription it is good practice and indicates he is prescribing in accordance with the committee s advice. Return the prescription to the doctor to add ACBS in the body of the prescription which will ensure the prescription will be passed for payment without further investigation. 

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