Society of Radiographers welcomes NHS England support for non-medical prescribers

The Society of Radiographers has welcomed guidance from NHS England which aims to support non-medical prescribers in a range of practice settings.

The 'Prescribing and Support Assurance Framework', published earlier this year (5 January ), showcases the “wide array” of resources, governance measures, considerations and responsibilities already in place to ensure safe prescribing practices.

It includes support for those in new and novel roles, working beyond traditional professional boundaries.

A framework for all

While it is specifically tailored to non-medical professionals, in particular those registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, the tools and monitoring systems within are applicable to all individuals prescribing medicine for humans.

The framework covers profession-specific practice guidance documents, competency frameworks, mandatory regulation, and national and local data collection and monitoring.

It is designed in a four-level structure:

1. The professional regulator 
2. The professional body 
3. The employing organisation 
4. The individual prescriber.

'Delighted' by support

A spokesperson for the SoR said it was “delighted” by the publication, and urged members to read the document for more information and support.

The SoR advised on the publication and guidance within the document, adapting the 2006 Department of Health implementation guide for independent prescribing to enable radiographers to do so.

Latest updates include information on how Therapeutic Radiographer independent prescribers may prescribe most licensed medicines, now including from a list of Controlled Drugs, for any condition within the practitioner’s area of expertise and competence within the overarching framework of the radiography scope of practice.

This includes treatment of cancer, and the overarching framework of imaging and diagnosis including from a restricted, profession-specific list of six controlled drugs. They may also mix medicines prior to administration and direct others to mix, except for controlled drugs.

For up to date information on how Therapeutic Radiographer independent prescribers can prescribe from a list of Controlled Drugs, click here.

In addition, a revised Scope of Practice for radiographers and the associated professional workforce will be published in the autumn. 

This update will reflect the changing and developing roles of radiographers in imaging and oncology.  

(Image: Chattrawutt, via GettyImages)