Pharmacy independent prescribing service

Pharmacy independent prescribing service

Pharmacists independent prescribing services can be provided from any pharmacy that has been accredited to provide these services, if they employ a suitably qualified and competent pharmacist independent prescriber. The nationally directed service will allow prescribing for a range of extended minor illnesses and for routine contraception. The service will also allow health boards to agree other prescribing services to meet local needs.

How to accredit for this service in Wales

For those pharmacists wishing to provide this service they must follow the accreditation pathway below:

Step 1

Complete a prescribing qualification from any UK based higher education institute and be annotated as a prescriber by the GPhC

Step 2

Complete the national clinical services accreditation (NCSA) generic skills and competencies assessment

Step 3

Complete the HEIW Antimicrobial Stewardship for prescribers eLearning*

Note: * With Wales, all pharmacist independent prescribers must complete the antimicrobial stewardship for prescribers eLearning.
Step 4

Have completed an annual BLS assessment**

Note: ** This BLS assessment can be done with HEIW or any other training provider that meets the UK Core Skills Training Framework standards for basic life support at Level 2. Assessment must include training in Adult Basic Life Support for all prescribers and Paediatric Basic Life Support for any prescribers that include children in their declared scope of practice.
Step 5

Complete the NWSSP initial declaration for entry onto the NHS Wales approved list of pharmacist independent prescribers

Step 6

Have completed an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check

Step 7

NWSSP will send an email stating the pharmacist has been added to the approved list.

Step 8

Complete an NWSSP annual declaration to remain on the NHS Wales approved list of pharmacist independent prescribers

Annual reaccreditation

For those pharmacists wishing to annually re-accredit for this service they must follow the pathway below:

Step 1

Ensure their national clinical services accreditation (NCSA)* generic skills and competencies assessment is current

Step 2

Have completed an annual BLS face to face assessment**

Note: ** This BLS assessment can be done with HEIW or any other training provider that meets the UK Core Skills Training Framework standards for basic life support at Level 2. Assessment must include training in Adult Basic Life Support for all prescribers and Paediatric Basic Life Support for any prescribers that include children in their declared scope of practice.
Step 3

Complete the NWSSP annual declaration to remain on the NHS Wales approved list of pharmacist independent prescribers

Step 4

NWSSP will send an email stating the pharmacist will remain on the approved list.

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