Independent Prescribing (IP) within the CPCF
As part of negotiations on the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) arrangements for 2026/27, it was agreed that prescribing (independent prescribing) will be introduced into the CPCF as an extension of Pharmacy First and the Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS) from the autumn of 2026.
Community pharmacist prescribers will be enabled to:
- Prescribe within the existing Pharmacy First clinical pathways and the PCS.
- Provide up to five new Pharmacy First prescribing-only pathways – options to be considered include bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, oral thrush, skin infections and respiratory tract infections. In advance of their rollout, the new pathways will need to be approved by a clinical reference group. These consultations will count towards the monthly clinical pathways minimum activity requirement.
- Prescribe an alternative item where there is a need to meet the needs of an individual patient, e.g. where there is a supply chain issue relating to the original prescription, and there are arrangements in place with the original prescriber to allow such an approach.
Please click here to visit CPE for more info on the following:
- Funding
- Guidance Documents
- Clinical governance requirements for prescribing
- Frequently asked questions
- Further information
Local Comms:
Independent Prescribing update/ Readiness EoI form
Please read the ICB letter and Prescribing Services Implementation Pack below in relation to the Community Pharmacy Prescribing Services (Nationally Commissioned Service) which includes a link to a Microsoft Form enabling you to submit an indicative ‘readiness’ Expression of Interest (EoI) to provide this service.
Please action by the 4th of September 2026.
If you have any issues with the MS Form – please email: hnyicb.pharmacyandmedicinesoptimisation@nhs.net
