Prescribing (drugs)

The prescribing of drugs requires the writing of a medical prescription by a qualified professional, in the past usually a physician, but increasingly other professionals are being given limited prescribing rights. The prescripion is required because in many jurisdictions some prescription only drugs are controlled by law. So prescriptions have legal implications, as they may indicate that the prescriber takes responsibility for the clinical care of the patient and in particular for monitoring efficacy and safety.

Prescribing rights for psychologists
In recent years there has been an increasing debate about prescribing rights for psychologists. There are currently limited procedures for awarding prescribing rights to clinical psychologists by country but prescribing rights for psychologists courses are being developed.