A new suite of dispensing doctor qualifications has been approved by the UK's Commission for Employment and Skills.

The new National Occupation Standards, which outline what medical professionals must know and do when carrying out their role, are the building blocks of the UK's qualifications and business improvement tools, according to the Dispensing Doctors' Association (DDA).

The standards have been developed by groups of employers through either the Sector Skills Council or the Standards Setting Body.

"It is expected that the new qualification will be ready for an October 2009 start with the qualification ready for September 2010," the DDA said.

"This is a very exciting development as for the first time a qualification acquired in a dispensing doctors' dispensary is wholly transferable," the DDA added.

Recently the Department of Health reassured the DDA that Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments would not undermine the work carried out by dispensing doctors.