Nurse prescribers are to be allowed to mix medicines and direct others to do so.

hallelujah. I'm amazed at how quickly this has been resolved. Only 1 year. I was expected it to take about 5 years. Any news yet on nurses being able to prescribe all controlled drugs?

The MHRA has said it plans to implement changes to medicines legislation in relation to the mixing of medicines in palliative care by the end of 2009. In relation to changes to misuse of drugs legislation (which would allow nurse prescribers to prescribe controlled drugs), the latest is that the MHRA has said it will be meeting with the Home Office to discuss the changes that need to be made. But ultimately the decision in relation to the timing for the changes will fall to the Home Office.

 And the Home Office has now said that the changes are expected to be made later this year, but that it cannot be any more precise at the moment.

Excellent news as a community staff nurse mixing of medications for administration by syringe driver is a large part of our job. Legalising this is very reassuring. Community Staff Nurse Norfolk