The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has called on the government to extend prescribing rights to their members.
Alongside the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, the British and Irish Orthoptic Society and the Society of Radiographers, RCOT has written a joint letter to Jo Churchill, the Minister for Prevention, asking the government to extend occupational therapists’ legal ability to become non-medical prescribers as a means to enhance patient care.
The current Medicines and Medical Devices Bill has the power to extend prescribing responsibilities to new professional groups where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Karin Orman, RCOT Assistant Director - Professional Practice said:
“With occupational therapists at the forefront of the UK’s response to COVID-19, we want to arm them with all the tools they need to help the millions of people and their families across the UK who have been directly affected. This includes expanding the profession’s legal prescribing responsibilities.
“Our members could enhance patient care even further. By extending prescribing responsibilities for occupational therapists, they can deliver better and timelier patient care which will reduce pressure on the wider health and social care system. We hope the government grasps this opportunity to help maximise the impact of occupational therapists.”
A copy of the letter can be found here.