Non-Medical Prescribing (NMP)
Access essential resources and training for prescribers
Develop safe and effective prescribing practice
Each year NHS England inform us if they are fully funding any primary care staff to complete non-medical prescribing (NMP) training. This is not guaranteed each year.
They only offer limited funded places for Nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). Unfortunately if you not in one of these roles, you are not eligible to apply for this funding.
Please register your interest in completing NMP training. Note that this does not guarantee you a funded space. We have to wait for confirmation from NHSE. More training resources found on this page.
Getting started
Introduction
Non medical prescribing began in 2003, allowing trained healthcare professionals to take on expanded prescribing responsibilities to improve patient care.
Nurses became the first supplementary prescribers in 2003, followed by pharmacists in 2004. In 2006, both professions gained independent prescribing rights, enabling them to prescribe any licensed medicine within their competence.
Prescribing rights have since expanded to include several allied health professionals. Since 2012, eligible non medical prescribers have also been able to prescribe controlled drugs within their scope of practice, and within the limitations of the AHPs base professional outlined in The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Initial training
Eligible practitioners complete an accredited programme delivered by a Higher Education Institution (HEI). This typically involves around six months of postgraduate study to qualify as a non medical prescriber.
Contact us if you would like to discuss your workforce development needs or explore whether non medical prescribing is right for your role.
Getting started
Before you begin prescribing, please ensure that:
You are recognised as a prescriber with your regulatory body (e.g. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)).
You have appropriate indemnity insurance in place.
If you are new to the area or starting on your prescribing course, the Notts ICB Medicines Optimisation Team: Induction Pack for Prescribers is a key resource that you will need to be familiar with.
Non-medical prescribing competence framework
Non medical prescribers are essential to delivering safe, effective, and person centred care in primary care. Good prescribing relies on sound clinical judgement, ethical decision making, and clear communication with patients. 'A Competency Framework for all Prescribers' supports prescribers to reflect on their practice, maintain safety, and continue developing their skills. It provides a practical structure for ensuring high quality, accountable prescribing across all professions.
Prescribers must always work within their scope of competence, seeking advice or supervision when needed to ensure patient safety.
Continuous professional development (CPD)
CPD is fundamental to your growth as a prescriber. Below is a curated collection of resources to support safer prescribing practice, providing the tools and information you need to make informed, evidence based decisions.
Evidence-based prescribing (library services)
Provides access to NHS-funded journals, e-books, and clinical decision support tools for evidence-based practice.
Resources for safer and effective prescribing practice
Recommended bulletins for keeping up to date
NMP updates
NATH run a regular NMP update sessions. Check our Eventbrite for upcoming dates.
There are also sessions run as part of this out of area Community of Practice (NHS Futures registration required).
Expanding your competence
NMPs must prescribe within their scope of practice and competence. However, as NMPs develop they may want to expand their prescribing. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society have produced guidance for healthcare professionals wanting to expand their ‘prescribing scope of practice’.
As a training hub, we have also produced several resources that may support your evidence of this.
Expanding competence toolkit
Summary document (table)
Contact us If you would like to discuss how you would like to expand your competence.