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Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Physician Assistants: Prescriptions

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that physician associates do not act as prescribers.

Answer

The law does not currently allow physician assistants (PAs), still legally known as physician associates, to prescribe.

The General Medical Council, which regulates PAs, states on its website that PAs cannot prescribe, even if they hold prescribing rights from a previous profession and have previously been authorised to prescribe in that role by their employer.

Employers and system regulators, alongside professionals, are responsible for ensuring that individuals do not work outside of their scope of practise.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1965
Session
2026-27
Related items
Physician Assistants: Prescriptions
Tuesday, 25 August 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Prescriptions Physician assistants
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk