Would prescribing become part of core training for all psychologists?
As with other non-medical prescribing professions, prescribing would be optional and would require separate post qualification training.
This training would only be open to psychologists with a period of three years post qualification/HCPC registered practitioner experience in their area of expertise.
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Does the BPS have the final say on this decision?
No, we don't.
Prescribing rights are part of the Human Medicines Act legislation.
There is a rigorous process via the human medicines commission and the UK Parliament, including a public consultation.
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What medicines would a psychologist prescriber be able to prescribe?
All prescribers have theoretical access to all licenced medications and some also have access to controlled drugs. However, all prescribers ‘must only act within their own competence’. This means that the exact medications prescribed would differ according to contexts of practice.
Non-medical prescribers (NMPs) generally work with a very small number of medications (i.e., under ten, usually starting with less than five).
They can develop an in-depth expertise in understanding, including potential side effects.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society governance structure reflects this progression, where NMPs develop through Novice, Experienced to Expert prescribing stages; this usually takes many years.
This shows the difference between NMPS and medical doctors. Medical doctors are able to work more flexibly with a much larger range of types of medications within their area of expertise.
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Could independent practitioners be prescribers?
People wishing to become prescribers must have been practising in the context where they wish to prescribe for at least three years. They must also be part of a multi-disciplinary team or practice network to make sure governance processes are in place to support safe prescribing.
Whilst this wouldn't rule out all independent practitioners, those working in isolation would be unable to meet the requirements for safe practice.
Prescribing professions are regulated by the HCPC so this would be regulated as part of a person's practitioner membership.
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How can psychologists safely prescribe when they aren’t trained?
If prescribing rights were extended to psychologists, those who chose to would need to complete specialist training with robust entry requirements, mentoring and post qualification governance.
It would also include ongoing clinical supervision from an experienced prescriber.
This is already undertaken by several other professions who are non-medical prescribers and has been shown to be safe.
Psychologists have been prescribing in the USA since 1997.
There haven't been any malpractice or similar litigation suits brought against Psychologist Prescribers in relation to prescribing practice or related issues.
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If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Support Team.
Would prescribing become part of core training for all psychologists?
No, it wouldn't.
As with other non-medical prescribing professions, prescribing would be optional and would require separate post qualification training.
This training would only be open to psychologists with a period of three years post qualification/HCPC registered practitioner experience in their area of expertise.
Contact us
If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Support Team.