Written question asked by Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 29 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Monday, 8 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Prescriptions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Answer of 9 September 2025 to Question 71118 on Prescriptions: Occupational Therapy, if he will provide an update on the work of his department relating to the medicines responsibilities of (a) a range of healthcare professionals and (b) occupational therapists.

Answer

The Department supports expanding medicines responsibilities for non‑medical professionals where it is safe to do so. Appropriately trained occupational therapists can already supply and administer medicines under Patient Specific Directions or Patient Group Directions.

Any changes to medicines responsibilities follow a robust process to ensure patient safety. NHS England develops clinical cases for change with professional bodies, the Commission on Human Medicines provides advice, and, where proposals are progressed, the Department amends the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.

The Department has recently concluded a consultation on extending medicines responsibilities for a group of allied health professionals. We are analysing the responses and will consider proposals relating to other professional groups once this work is complete.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4571
Session: 2026-27
Related items: Prescriptions: Occupational Therapy
Tuesday, 9 September 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Health professions Prescriptions
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Prescriptions

Secondary information

Librarians' tools