The SoR is calling for the UK government to extend independent prescribing responsibilities to Diagnostic Radiographers and other Allied Health Professionals in recognition of the second anniversary of the #PrescribingNow campaign.
In support of Allied Health Professionals (AHP) colleagues achieving independent prescribing as a recognised aspect of their profession's scope of practice, the campaign is pressing UK government to use the powers it has under the Medicines and Medical Devices Act (2021) to allow AHPs to undertake the necessary education and training to independently prescribe medicine.
The Commission on Human Medicines – an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care – recommended in 2021 the government extend prescribing responsibilities in this way to Diagnostic Radiographers, but there is still no identifiable process for making this happen, the SoR said.
Lack of progress
On February 20, 2025, the campaign marked its second anniversary seeking extension of responsibilities.
Across those two years, the campaign has written letters to MPs and members of the House of Lords highlighting objectives, welcomed the College of Operating Department Practitioners and the Institute of Osteopathy to the coalition, and received support in the form of evidence-back reports from the House of Lords Integration of Primary and Community Care Committee.
Sue Johnson, professional officer for clinical imaging at the SoR, said: “Our radiographers still await this change. We support our AHP colleagues in achieving independent prescribing as a recognised aspect of their profession's scope of practice.
“The evidence from professions that can prescribe, i.e. pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, Therapeutic Radiographers, optometrists, podiatrists, and paramedics, demonstrates that this works for patients, is safe, and supports effective service delivery, making it even more frustrating that there is no progress.”
Improving care and addressing workforce challenges
Extending these responsibilities will improve patient care, reduce administrative burdens, and address workforce challenges, allowing appropriately experienced AHPs to ensure patients get the right care, in the right place, at the right time, as well as help deliver key aspects of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan by attracting and retaining more people into our professions, the campaign said.
In a letter to Wes Streeting, secretary of state for health and social care, the campaign explained: “Registered healthcare professionals, including AHPs, who are authorised to independently prescribe medication can greatly benefit patients by offering a service that caters to their needs, reducing the need for referrals to other professionals and services.
“This approach increases efficiency while being cost-effective and ensures that patients receive the best possible care. This helps reduce the risk of adverse outcomes associated with delays in recommended treatment or intervention.”
Extension of responsibilities
Karin Smyth, minister of state for secondary care, shared the government’s response to the campaign’s letter in December 2024.
She explained the department is “working with NHS England to build upon the Chief Professions Officers' Medicines Mechanisms (CPOMM) programme consultations and consider the extension of responsibilities to supply, administer or prescribe medicines under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to regulated healthcare professionals, where a clear need and benefits have been identified.
“The department is currently reviewing priorities for progressing the work of the CPOMM programme and wider calls for extended prescribing responsibilities, including recommendations regarding the prescribing responsibilities of diagnostic radiographers,” she added.
“I hope you will appreciate that given the task ahead for the new government, I will be unable to commit to a meeting at this stage. I do, however, look forward to working with you and your colleagues in the coming months and years.”
Building on collective work
The #PrescribingNow campaign is a partnership between the British Dietetic Association, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, the British and Irish Orthoptic Society, the Society of Radiographers, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, The College of Operating Department Practitioners and the Institute of Osteopathy.
It builds on the collective work these organisations did during the passage through parliament of the Medicines and Medical Devices Act, when MPs and peers advocated for these professions to be granted prescribing responsibilities.
Find out more about the #PrescribingNow campaign online here.
(Image: #PrescribingNow campaign committee)