Non-medical prescribing in nursing: the history and evolution of independent and supplementary prescribing

Abstract

Non-medical prescribing has been shown to be beneficial to both service users and practitioners spanning all care sectors. Nurse prescribing has developed significantly in its short existence, and is set to continue to push the boundaries of practice as the role and education of nurses changes and adapts to current population healthcare needs. This article details the origins and evolution of non-medical prescribing, the variety of annotations found on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register involved and how these affect nursing practice, as well as the expansion of roles. It also discusses supervision and assessment requirements in line with the NMC standards for prescribing programmes, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society competence framework.