The Standards for Competency Assurance of Independent and Supplementary Prescribers in Wales have been developed by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) in partnership with stakeholders. They support a “Once for Wales” approach to ensuring the quality, safety and ongoing competence of the non-medical prescriber (NMP) workforce across Wales. The standards set out the minimum requirements for evidencing and reviewing prescribing competence for both NMPs and their employers.
All non-medical prescribers are responsible for practising within their scope and competence, applying their knowledge, judgement and skills appropriately, and being able to provide evidence of their prescribing competence. Application of the standards is a multidisciplinary responsibility.
The standards apply to all registered non-medical prescribers providing NHS services in Wales, including independent prescribers, community practitioner nurse prescribers and supplementary prescribers, across all sectors of practice.
For the purposes of these standards, the definition of prescribing is not limited to the act of writing a prescription. It includes the wider competencies involved in prescribing decisions. such as deprescribing or adjusting therapeutic doses, aligned with the Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) Competency Framework for All Prescribers. Not all actions where a product is supplied are classified as prescribing. Activities delivered solely through patient group directions (PGDs) or online non‑prescription ordering systems (ONPOS) are not classified as prescribing and therefore do not fall under these Competency Assurance Standards.
HEIW Standards for Competency Assurance of Independent and Supplementary Prescribers in Wales
Welsh Health Circular WHC/2024/02
Welsh Government Independent and Supplementary Prescribing in Wales
A Competency Framework for all Prescribers | RCPharm
There are 4 standards for the competency assurance of Independent and Supplementary Prescribers. These are:
There are 4 standards for competency assurance requirement for employers. These are:
NHS Organisations and HEIW are developing the processes and guidance needed to implement the Competency Assurance Standards and support the non‑medical prescriber (NMP) workforce.
From 31 March 2026, many of the standards will come into effect. The prescribing appraisal process will be introduced gradually, beginning with a pilot involving a small number of NMPs. Wider implementation is planned from January 2027.
You should check with your employer or NHS Service Commissioner to find out when your prescribing appraisal is scheduled.
To support implementation of the Competency Assurance Standards, HEIW has been working closely with NHS Organisations across Wales to develop the processes and guidance required for successful rollout. A range of resources has been created to help organisations understand their responsibilities and ensure that non‑medical prescribers are supported to meet the standards.
Guidance for new prescribers, expanding or changing scope, and return to practice - managed sector
Summary of Process to Comply with Standards - managed sector
The Competency Assurance Standards apply to all non‑medical prescribers (NMPs) providing NHS services to patients in Wales. However, timelines for compliance vary depending on your employer:
A range of resources have been created to support non-medical prescribers to comply with the standards:
Guidance for new prescribers, expanding or changing scope, and return to practice - managed sector
Portfolio of Evidence Guidance Notes- managed sector