Prescribing within the CPCF commences today

As part of negotiations on the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) arrangements for 2026/27, it was agreed that prescribing would be introduced into the CPCF as an extension of Pharmacy First and the Pharmacy Contraception Service from the autumn of 2026.

DHSC and NHS England have now published all the documentation related to the addition of prescribing into the CPCF and amendments to the Secretary of State Directions related to the Advanced services have been issued, providing the legal basis for prescribing to commence from today (29th October 2026).

You can access the documentation and read our perspective and guidance on this development on our Prescribing within the CPCF webpage.

Pharmacy owners have been able to apply to provide prescribing services in the CPCF for 10 days and we understand that ICBs are currently processing the applications of a small number of early adopter pharmacies.

Commenting on the milestone event, Janet Morrison, Chief Executive, Community Pharmacy England said:

“In reality, there will be no authorised prescribers or pharmacies to commence prescribing today, but this is nonetheless a noteworthy day in the history of community pharmacy in England.

“The addition of prescribing to the CPCF is a strategically important service development for all in the sector. But the size of the challenge for pharmacy owners and prescribers to implement prescribing in their pharmacies is very large and our concerns about the available funding not covering the costs which will be incurred remain; they demand very careful consideration by any pharmacy owner considering signing up to provide prescribing.

“We will continue to work with DHSC and NHS England to seek funding that does cover the costs of this important clinical role development for community pharmacists and allows prescribing to flourish in community pharmacies across England for the benefit of patients and the NHS.”