The complex challenge of prescribing as an advanced clinical practice physiotherapist

Non-medical prescribing (NMP) has been developing in the UK over the last couple of decades. As part of their NMP course, the author explores some of the legal, professional and ethical complexities that await them and other Health and Care Professions Council workers upon conclusion of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's competency framework for all prescribers. Focus is primarily directed towards the application of NMP by an individual with physiotherapists background, working in an advanced clinical practice (ACP) role in paediatric intensive care. This commentary critiques some of the dilemmas that may present regarding legislation, regulation and the inability to prescribe controlled drugs independently. Solutions using clinical management plans are presented, alongside ideas for future development of prescribing ACPs.