Petition · past parliament · Department of Health and Social Care
Allow all registered Operating Department Practitioners to prescribe medicines
Closed
1,113 signatures
What the petition asks
The Government should change the law to allow Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to prescribe medication.
This change would add to the current non-medical prescribing workforce that should, in turn, improve efficiency and convenience for patients.
The change will be in line with many other Allied Health Professions.
Research shows that prescribing nurses offer “safe and effective access to medications”, “enhanced service delivery”, and “high levels of patient satisfaction” (Black et al, 2021).
This change should facilitate safe, effective and holistic care with service users getting the right care at the right time.
In addition, current law restricts ODPs who are following an advanced practice career pathway, for example, Surgical Care Practitioner and Anaesthetic Associate.
The change will be in line with many other Allied Health Professions.
Research shows that prescribing nurses offer “safe and effective access to medications”, “enhanced service delivery”, and “high levels of patient satisfaction” (Black et al, 2021).
This change should facilitate safe, effective and holistic care with service users getting the right care at the right time.
In addition, current law restricts ODPs who are following an advanced practice career pathway, for example, Surgical Care Practitioner and Anaesthetic Associate.
Timeline
| 25 May 2022 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 9 Dec 2022 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
1,113
Status
Closed
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
Opened
25 May 2022
Closed
9 Dec 2022
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.