Advice for newly qualified prescribing pharmacists has been published by the regulator, emphasising the importance of practising within individual scope and seeking support.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has published advice to support newly qualified independent prescribers (IPs) ahead of the first cohort joining the register from summer 2026.
The document, published yesterday (10 June), highlights key considerations to help pharmacists prescribe safely, effectively and within their competence.
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It stresses that new prescribers must understand the scope of their prescribing practice and only prescribe within their knowledge, competence and experience – which may mean saying ‘no’ to a prescribing request.
The advice also urges new IPs to seek support from a supervisor, mentor or peer support group, who can help them decide when and in what ways they are ready to expand the scope of their prescribing.
Chief executive of the GPhC, Kathie Cashell, said: ‘Newly qualified pharmacists joining the register as independent prescribers will be able to take on significant new responsibilities from day one.
‘These responsibilities will enable pharmacists to play an even greater role within multidisciplinary teams across a range of healthcare settings, providing better access to medicines and helping to meet patients’ health and care needs.’
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‘Our advice is designed to support them to prescribe safely and confidently, while working within the limits of their competence as they begin their careers.
‘By encouraging newly qualified prescribing pharmacists to seek support, reflect on their practice and continue developing their skills, we aim to empower them to provide high-quality care for patients and the public.’
The GPhC advice says that new IPs should ensure that their professional indemnity covers all aspects of their prescribing.
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And if an new IP intends to prescribe privately, it is their responsibility to check whether they are required to register with the Care Quality Commission, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, or the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.
The new advice also reminds employers to consider their workforce’s scope of practice when deciding which services to offer and support new prescribers to understand and develop their practice.
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