Mexico expands nurse prescribing rights under national health program

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that, from August 2026, licensed nurses in Mexico will be authorized to prescribe a defined list of medicines under the Salud Casa por Casa programme. The change follows a pilot that has already generated more than 100,000 nurse‑issued prescriptions and is aimed at improving primary‑care access in rural and underserved communities. Prescriptions are limited to drugs included in the National Compendium of Health Supplies and must follow protocols issued by the Ministry of Health. Sheinbaum said, “Una enfermera normativamente puede recetar, si tiene licenciatura, ciertos medicamentos.”

Gloria López Mora, president of the Veracruz State College of Nurses, welcomed the legal amendment – citing Article 28 Bis of the General Health Law – but warned that adequate training, clear liability rules and better wages are needed. She emphasized that nursing interns must demonstrate competence before prescribing and added, “Se está adjudicando más trabajo al profesional de Enfermería, pero con el mismo salario.” The association hopes the measure will lessen the burden on doctors and strengthen nursing autonomy while stressing the need for proper support for nurses on the ground.