In Legal

Follow this topic

Bookmark

Record learning outcomes

These reforms could be transformative but without careful planning, investment in training and a shared understanding of professional boundaries, they could introduce confusion or risk. Thorrun Govind and Richard Hough explain…

The Department of Health and Social Care’s long-awaited consultation on pharmacy supervision has now progressed to draft legislation, marking a significant shift in how pharmacy teams may operate in the future.

The legislation aims to enable pharmacists to deliver more patient-facing clinical services and empower pharmacy technicians to maximise their contribution to pharmaceutical care through effective use of their skills and expertise.

The draft Human Medicines (Authorisation by Pharmacists and Supervision by Pharmacy Technicians) Order 2025 sets out three main reforms which are designed to modernise the legal framework and better harness the expertise of the pharmacy workforce.

Firstly, pharmacists will be empowered to authorise registered pharmacy technicians to undertake or supervise the preparation, assembly, dispensing, sale and supply of medicines.

Secondly, pharmacists may authorise any member of the pharmacy team to hand out checked and bagged prescriptions in the absence of a pharmacist, reducing unnecessary repeat visits and improving patient access.

Thirdly, pharmacy technicians may assume primary responsibility for the preparation and dispensing of medicinal products in hospital aseptic facilities that do not hold a specials manufacturer’s licence.

It is important to note that the new arrangements concerning technician authorisation and aseptic services will initially apply only in Great Britain, as pharmacy technicians are not currently a regulated profession in Northern Ireland.

The draft Order was debated in the House of Commons on 13 October 2025 and in the House of Lords on 21 October 2025. During the Lords debate, Baroness Merron described the reforms as “part of a wider programme of common-sense reform to modernise pharmacy regulation and to cut red tape, which will enable pharmacies to thrive and will make pharmacy services quicker and easier for patients to access, as well as maintaining high levels of patient safety.”

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick also reflected on the historical context, noting that the original pharmacy legislation dates back to 1933, when pharmacists themselves prepared medicines using a mortar and pestle.

Importantly, the measure which will allow trained staff to hand out completed prescriptions in the absence of a pharmacist will come into force 28 days after the regulations receive royal approval, meaning patients will benefit without further substantial delay.

This change is expected to ease pressure on already stretched pharmacy teams. The remaining provisions, however, will be implemented following a one-year transition period, allowing time for the development of professional standards and supporting guidance.

Authorisation

Notably, the proposed reforms do not redefine the concept of supervision. Instead, they introduce a new legal route of authorisation, through which pharmacists can delegate tasks. Authorisation may be general or specific, oral or written and will be subject to conditions.

Pharmacists must have due regard to patient safety when authorising tasks. While failure to do so does not invalidate the authorisation, it may be considered professional misconduct.

To support implementation, the General Pharmaceutical Council is expected to consult on the updated standards for Responsible Pharmacists and Superintendent Pharmacists. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society will also publish guidance to help pharmacy professionals navigate the new framework safely and effectively.

The NHS terms of service, which currently require medicines to be supplied “by or under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist,” will also need to be amended to reflect the new authorisation model. This change will be essential to ensure consistency between legal and contractual obligations.

Accountability

However, with greater autonomy comes greater accountability. Robust governance will be essential. Pharmacies must ensure that delegation is underpinned by clear protocols, comprehensive training, and ongoing oversight. Authorisation must not become a tick-box exercise, and should be a considered decision based on competence, context, and risk.

Patient safety must remain the cornerstone of all delegation decisions. The risk of errors, miscommunication, or inappropriate handover must be mitigated through structured supervision models and clear lines of accountability.

Potential

In a sector which is already grappling with increasing clinical demands and workforce pressures, these reforms could be transformative. They offer a chance to unlock the full potential of the pharmacy team, particularly pharmacy technicians, by recognising their skills and enabling them to contribute more meaningfully to patient care.

But success will depend on implementation. Without careful planning, investment in training, and a shared understanding of professional boundaries, the reforms could introduce confusion or risk.

With the right safeguards however, they could mark a new chapter in pharmacy practice, one that is more agile, patient-focused, and team-driven.

Richard Hough is a partner and head of healthcare at Brabners LLP and a former pharmacist. His co-author Thorrun Govind is a solicitor at Brabners, a pharmacist and TV health expert.