Pharmacist IP status is not just confined to NHS prescribing. A pharmacist independent prescriber may prescribe autonomously for any condition within their clinical competence (but within set terms if providing NHS services).

IP powers currently include controlled drugs listed in Schedules 2-5 except diamorphine, cocaine and dipipanone to treat addiction (they can be prescribed for treating organic disease or injury).^12,16

A pharmacist IP’s authority to prescribe is similar to a nurse IP, and both can prescribe other controlled drugs for the treatment of addiction.^16,17,18

Part XVIIB of the Drug Tariff details non-medical independent prescribing powers in the NHS, and the differences between different health professionals with prescriber status. It recommends prescribing generically, except where this would not be clinically appropriate or where there is no approved generic name.¹⁷

Going off-label is allowed, but when prescribing licensed medicines independently for uses outside their licensed indications, the prescriber must accept clinical/legal responsibility for that prescribing and should only prescribe off-licence/off-label where it is accepted clinical practice. Unlicensed medicines can similarly be prescribed.

Appliances and dressings in Part IX can be prescribed. Items listed in Part XVIIA cannot be prescribed at NHS expense, and Part XVIIIB items are permitted only in special circumstances. Nurse and pharmacist IPs should normally restrict their prescribing of borderline substances to items on the ACBS approved list (Part XV).

Community Pharmacy England adds that pharmacist IPs can write repeat dispensing prescriptions and emergency supply requests.¹⁹