Mental health prescribing in Scotland: time for change

Abstract

This article suggests that the time is right for the coherent strategic development of mental health nurse prescribing in Scotland. This conclusion comes from the synthesis of current theory and practice, i.e. there is no coherent theory opposing mental health nurse prescribing and the necessary supportive infrastructure is now known. In order to situate this discussion, the article begins with an overview of some of the broader issues mental health nurse prescribing faces. It then examines in detail one of the more enduring arguments which continues to oppose the introduction of prescribing in mental health nursing: nurses should not prescribe because they should be doing something else. A critical analysis of this position concludes that this perspective is misguided. More practical questions remain, however, but the article concludes that there is now enough evidence to support effective strategic leadership in mental health nurse prescribing, and reiterates the requisite infrastructure.