The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (the Society) has launched a 12-week public consultation on its Draft Standards for Pharmacist Prescribers in Northern Ireland (2026), open from 19 March to 11 June 2026.
The updated Standards will replace the 2013 Standards and Guidance for Pharmacist Prescribers and reflect significant changes in legislation, education and practice in Northern Ireland.
They have been developed to reflect significant developments in legislation, education and pharmacy practice in Northern Ireland, including the eligibility for pharmacist independent prescribing annotation at the point of registration.
This represents a fundamental development in the scope of pharmacist practice and in the professional responsibilities expected of registrants.
The draft Standards set out the regulatory expectations for all pharmacist prescribers on the Register. They are designed to:
- Protect patients and the public
- Support professional judgement across diverse practice settings
- Promote safe, accountable and evidence-based prescribing
- Reflect modern models of care, including remote and digital prescribing
The Standards are structured around seven core principles, covering person-centred care, scope of practice and competence, clinical judgement, communication and collaboration, safety and accountability, reflective practice, and professional and ethical standards.
The Society is inviting feedback from pharmacists, trainees, employers, healthcare professionals, education providers, patients and the wider public. Views gathered during the consultation will inform the final version of the Standards.
The consultation closes at 5pm on 11 June 2026. Read the draft Standards and submit your response using the buttons below.