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| It’s essential that you prescribe in line with The Code and our standards and guidance |
| Dear Sharon As you know, prescribing of medications is a regulated activity, requiring high professional standards. We know that the majority of our professionals prescribe safely and effectively and in line with our standards. At the NMC, we’re regularly asked questions about prescribing. These queries are from nurses and midwives, members of the public, and those who have concerns about prescribing practice. Often, they’re in relation to prescribing in the cosmetic and aesthetic context. All prescribers must take individual responsibility for their prescribing decisions. As someone with a prescribing qualification, we want to help you deliver the best and safest care. I’m writing to summarise the requirements that are relevant to your prescribing practice. I also want to highlight those that are most relevant to remote prescribing, and prescribing of medicinal products, including non-surgical medicinal products being used for cosmetic and aesthetic purposes. These requirements are set out in: The CodeThe Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Competency FrameworkHigh level principles for good practice in remote consultation and prescribingSupporting information |
| 1. The Code |
| As a Nurse, we know you’re mindful of the Code in everything you do. The Code states at section 18.1 that those suitably qualified must only prescribe, advise on, or provide medicines or treatment, including repeat prescriptions, if you have enough knowledge of that person’s health and are satisfied that the medicines or treatment serve that person’s health needs. |
| 2. The RPS Competency Framework for all Prescribers |
| All prescribers must prescribe in line with the RPS Competency Framework, which we’ve adopted as our standards of proficiency for prescribing practice. It sets out the steps a prescriber must take before issuing a prescription. This includes:taking an appropriate history (1.1)undertaking an appropriate clinical assessment (1.2); andhaving a full understanding of the conditions to be treated by way of prescribing medication (1.6). It also states that:prescribers should identify the potential risks associated with prescribing remotely, and take steps to minimise them (7.3); andminimise risk to patients by using processes that support safe prescribing in areas of high risk (7.4). |
| 3. High level principles for good practice in remote consultation and prescribing |
| If you prescribe remotely, you should also familiarise yourself with our High level principles for good practice in remote consultation and prescribing. They’re underpinned by existing standards and are there to support you to deliver the safest care possible. There are certain areas of practice where remote prescribing is unlikely to be suitable, for example, when prescribing medicines likely to be subject to misuse or abuse, or in the case of injectable cosmetic treatments. In these situations we recommend face-to-face consultations. The reasons why remote prescribing is unlikely to be suitable in the cosmetic context is related to the prescriber having less ability to apply the following principles effectively: Understand how to identify vulnerable patients and take appropriate steps to protect themCarry out clinical assessments and medical record checks to ensure medication is safe and appropriateRaise concerns when adequate patient safeguards aren’t in place. We encourage you to reflect on and review your practice against all of these standards and principles regularly to ensure that you continue to meet them. You should do this as part of your CPD and revalidation and seek advice if you’re unsure. Remember, if at any time you feel that public safety is being put at risk or if you’re being asked to work outside of the requirements of the Code or any other national standards, you’re empowered under the Code to speak up and raise your concerns (see section 16.1 of the Code for more details). We hope you found this reminder useful – you can find more prescribing information and resources on our website. With best wishes Prof Geraldine Walters CBE PhD RNExecutive Director, Professional Practice |
| Our vision is safe, effective and kind nursing and midwifery that improves everyone’s health and wellbeing. As the independent regulator of over 758,000 nursing and midwifery professionals, we have an important role to play in making this a reality. You have received this email as our records show you have a prescribing qualification. |
