Advice published for newly qualified prescribing pharmacists
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has published advice for newly qualified prescribing pharmacists, ahead of the first cohort joining the register as independent prescribers from summer 2026.
The advice is aimed at pharmacists who have completed their MPharm under the 2021 initial education and training standards and will join the register as pharmacist independent prescribers. It highlights key considerations to support safe and effective prescribing from the outset, including:
- working within individual scope of practice;
- seeking appropriate support and mentorship;
- making prescribing decisions in the best interests of patients; and
- maintaining appropriate indemnity cover and engaging with revalidation.
Read the GPhC’s advice for newly qualified prescribing pharmacists
The publication of the GPhC advice comes as independent prescribing is due to be introduced into the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) in 2026/27 as an extension of Pharmacy First and the Pharmacy Contraception Service from autumn 2026.
Community Pharmacy England has highlighted that the addition of prescribing to the CPCF is a strategically important service development for the sector. However, its implementation must be supported with appropriate funding and practical clinical guidance for pharmacy owners and teams.
Details of NHS guidance on clinical governance for prescribing will be published in due course, and Community Pharmacy England will continue to review developments and will share further information with pharmacy owners as it becomes available.
