PSI welcomes publication by the Minister for Health of the final report of the Expert Taskforce to Support the Expansion of the Role of Pharmacy

PSI – the Pharmacy Regulator, welcomes today’s announcement by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly T.D. to progress the phase two recommendations by the Expert Taskforce on expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists. 

Speaking at the launch of the final report from the Expert Taskforce to Support the Expansion of the Role of Pharmacy, the Minister outlined the intent of strategic recommendations contained within the report to introduce full pharmacist prescribing authority, in a phased manner over the coming years. 

This will initially focus on the limited prescribing of prescription-only medicines by pharmacists under a common conditions service. Through this service, pharmacists will offer advice and treatment for common, often self-limiting conditions within community pharmacies. They will be authorised to prescribe and dispense prescription-only medicines for an approved list of common conditions that they are trained to diagnose and manage, enhancing access to timely care and reducing the burden on other healthcare providers, aligned to the principles of Slaintecare. To begin with, patients will have access to care for eight conditions (see notes) which can be extended over time as the service evolves in community pharmacies.

The Expert Taskforce, established in July 2023 by the Minister for Health, was charged with considering and examining ways in which pharmacists can expand upon their present scope of practice, for the benefit of patients, the public and the wider health system. 

Today’s announcement follows the adoption by Minister Donnelly of the first recommendation of the Expert Taskforce in November 2023, relating to prescription extension by pharmacists. The legislation to give effect to this first recommendation was enacted in March this year, with pharmacists enabled to extend prescriptions from 1 September, when in their professional judgement it is safe and appropriate to do so.

In the report, the Expert Taskforce has also provided other evidenced-based policy recommendations to the Minister, including the development of independent autonomous prescribing by pharmacists. This recommendation is proposed to be implemented in a step-wise manner, and will be dependent on several enablers including a legislative and regulatory framework and the development of dedicated post-graduate training. 

“We welcome the announcement by Minister Donnelly and the continued commitment to progress the recommendations in the final report from the Expert Taskforce,” said Joanne Kissane, Registrar and Chief Officer, PSI, and member of the Expert Taskforce. “These recommendations are another important milestone, providing clear policy direction and roadmap for delivery of an expanded scope of practice for pharmacists, for the benefit of patients and the health system. 

“Today’s acceptance by Minister Donnelly of the report and the successful implementation of the recommendations contained therein, will contribute positively to improved patient outcomes, alleviate pressure within the health system, facilitate delivery of enhanced care both in community and hospital settings, and utilise to maximum effect, for patient and public good, the skills, training and accessibility of pharmacists.

“The report, which was contributed to by the PSI as members of and participants in the work of the Expert Taskforce, aligns with our commitment to ensuring pharmacy practice and policy is informed by evidence-based research. We also recognise and commend the important contribution of members of the public and patients in the work of the Expert Taskforce. 

"As the regulatory body charged with protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public by regulating pharmacists and pharmacies, the PSI’s focus is to ensure the necessary training, education, and regulatory supports are in place for pharmacists as an enhanced role and scope of practice is progressed for pharmacy.”

Notes

• Final Report: Expert Taskforce to Support the Expansion of the Role of Pharmacy (July 2024)
• As recommended by the Taskforce an initial list of eight conditions are intended to be included to allow pharmacists working in a community pharmacy to provide treatment to patients: 

1. Allergic Rhinitis 
2. Cold Sores 
3. Conjunctivitis 
4. Impetigo 
5. Oral Thrush
6. Shingles 
7. Uncomplicated UTI / Cystitis
8. Vulvovaginal Thrush 

More details can be found in the report.

• The Expert Taskforce is comprised of representatives from the health, pharmacy and pharmacy education sectors and includes the PSI. A list is also contained in the report.