Basic Prescribing for PAs
Key Principle:
PAs cannot prescribe or request ionising radiation. However, they must:
- Take accurate medication histories
- Identify drug interactions & contraindications
- Support medicines reconciliation
- Recommend options to supervising prescribers
GMC PARA & UMPA Competencies:
- Use of BNF, NICE, MHRA Yellow Card
- Dosing by weight, age, renal/liver function
- Check allergies and side effect history
- Contribute to safe prescribing audits and MDT reviews
In Clinical Practice:
- Review patient’s current medications
- Suggest antibiotics based on infection & formulary
- Recognise high-risk drugs (opioids, anticoagulants)
- Provide patient counselling on medication safety
Legal Limitations:
- PAs cannot write or sign prescriptions
- Cannot request X-rays, CTs, or nuclear medicine scans
- Cannot prescribe emergency or controlled drugs
- Must always document and refer to the prescriber
Useful Resources:
PA Role Summary Table
| Task | Can PAs Do This? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Take medication history | ✅ Yes | Flag interactions, errors, and discrepancies |
| Recommend drug/treatment to prescriber | ✅ Yes | Prescriber must sign the prescription |
| Sign prescription | ❌ No | Not legally authorised (2024) |
| Request X-ray/CT scan | ❌ No | PAs cannot request ionising radiation |
| Document prescribing advice | ✅ Yes | Record clearly in the notes |
| Access patient’s SCR/med history | ✅ Yes | With appropriate access rights |