National Pharmacy Association issues framework for safe pharmacist prescribing

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has released a new framework to support the safe expansion of independent prescribing (IP) services by pharmacists. The framework emphasizes that ‘baseline prescriber visibility’ of patient records and integrated IT systems are essential requirements to ensure safe decision-making and reduce complexity.

Key recommendations in the report include establishing core indemnity, incident reporting, and clinical oversight arrangements. Additionally, pharmacies are advised to assess staff capacity and prescriber numbers to ensure new services do not displace existing essential activities. The framework also highlights the need for sustainable funding, routine NHS commissioning, and clearly defined referral routes.

This development follows a government announcement in May to introduce independent prescribing as an extension of the Pharmacy First service under the 2026/27 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework. NPA vice chair Sukhi Basra noted that the move could transform neighbourhood care by providing millions of people with easier access to treatment and increasing clinical capacity across the NHS.