DoH considers prescribing powers for physician associates

Pulse reports that this was one of a range of issues it was considering ahead of recruiting 1,000 new physician associates to work in practices by 2020.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s plan is to recruit up to 5,000 new practice support staff over the next five years.

Giving them prescribing powers would add to their working role - as currently listed by NHS Careers - that includes taking medical histories; performing examinations; diagnosing illnesses; analysing test results and developing management plans.

But GP leaders have warned that adding prescribing to a list that includes includes taking medical histories, performing examinations, diagnosing illnesses, analysing test results and developing management plans, is unlikely to make much difference to the ongoing workforce crisis.

Read more on Pulse

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This story was first published in digitalhealth.net

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