GPhC seeks views on supervising independent prescribers in training

Currently, pharmacists wanting to become independent prescribers must undertake additional education and training which includes being supervised by a designated medical practitioner in practice.

A discussion paper published by the GPhC proposes that in the future, the right to supervise those training to be pharmacist independent prescribers would be extended to pharmacist prescribers and other experienced prescribers. Giving this responsibility to practising pharmacist independent prescribers would give them the opportunity to train the next generation and share their experience in the workplace.

The new supervision requirements would also, if approved, remove a potential barrier to the expansion of the number of pharmacist independent prescribers and alleviate pressure on both course providers and services.

Commenting on the consultation launch GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin said:

“The evidence is that the pharmacist’s role as a prescriber is developing rapidly and so this is an important topic to address. We welcome feedback on our proposals which will inform a wider review next year of the standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers.”

The GPhC is seeking feedback in response to the discussion paper until 1 February 2017.

Notes 

A final decision on the proposals will only be taken once a full consultation on revised education and training standards for independent pharmacist prescribers in 2017 is completed

The paper states that we do not believe any change in legislation is required to alter the supervision requirements for pharmacist independent prescribers, which are set by the regulator.