Is the definition of an independent prescriber adequate for (extended formulary) nurse prescribing?
The College agrees with the definition of independent prescriberas proposed but has reservations about the implementation of independent prescribing by nurses in undiagnosed patients other than in very restricted areas (see later). Are benefits to be gained safely for patients from the introduction of independent prescribing? The College considers that the main benefits for patients in the adoption of nurse prescribing are in terms of rapid access to advice and treatment, e.g. for symptom relief in the emergency situation within agreed limits, for repeat prescribing, again within agreed limits or discharge prescribing. Option A (Maintaining an Extended Formulary for Specified Medical Conditions) supports these patient benefits. However this would exclude prescribing prescription-only medicines for all patients for whom there is no confirmed diagnosis, and certain medicines for patients with confirmed diagnosis, and therefore falls outside the full definition cited in the consultation p
