The Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia has introduced new regulations governing the issuance of electronic prescriptions for psychotropic medications to prevent misuse.
The updated rules will come into force on April 1 and are part of a broader reform targeting the circulation and prescription practices of controlled medicines.
Under the new regulations, the maximum quantity of psychotropic drugs that can be dispensed per prescription has been reduced. Adult patients will be allowed a supply for no more than 14 days while minors may receive up to 30 days’ worth of medication.
Doctors may only issue a new prescription if the patient has five days or less of medication remaining. In addition, prescribed daily doses must not exceed the maximum limits defined in the drug’s official instructions.
Physicians are also required to provide clear medical justification for prescribing psychotropic medications, documenting the rationale in the patient’s medical history. If dosage adjustments are necessary, doctors must take into account the quantity of medication already in the patient’s possession.
The updated framework also introduces specific procedures for cases where prescribed medication is lost, damaged or destroyed.
The ministry stated that the changes follow findings by the Medical and Pharmaceutical Activities Regulation Agency which identified multiple violations in prescribing practices. These included cases where psychotropic drugs were issued without proper diagnosis, justification or consultation, as well as instances of excessive dosing and prescriptions by unauthorized physicians.
Authorities confirmed that disciplinary measures have already been taken against several medical professionals. The Professional Development Council has held 10 doctors accountable for breaches related to these practices.
Officials say the reform is intended to reduce the risks associated with inappropriate use of psychotropic substances and to enhance patient safety through stricter control mechanisms.
