The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a public consultation on proposed changes that would allow more allied health professionals to prescribe, supply, and administer medicines.
It seeks feedback on proposals impacting four practitioner groups:
- extending the list of medicines that paramedics can administer in emergency situations using exemptions within medicines legislation
- extending the list of controlled drugs that physiotherapist independent prescribers are legally able to prescribe
- enabling operating department practitioners to supply and administer medicines using patient group directions
- enabling diagnostic radiographer practitioners working at an enhanced, advanced or consultant practitioner level to become independent prescribers of medicines
The proposals are intended to improve timely patient access to medicines, while maintaining safety and professional accountability. If adopted, these changes could reduce delays, ease burdens on doctors, and streamline care pathways, helping patients receive the medicines they need sooner.
The consultation is open for responses until 11:59 PM on 28 October 2025. Find out more here.
Related training:
A Practical Guide to Demonstrating and Improving Prescribing Competence & Practice
A Practical Guide to Effective Non-Medical Prescribing in Care of the Older Adult
A Practical Guide to Effective Non-Medical Prescribing for Pain
A Practical Guide to Effective Non-Medical Prescribing in Mental Health
Clinical Pharmacology Update for Non Medical Prescribers
