Understanding the legal implications in prescribing for children and young people

Many aspects are important to consider when focusing on legal implications in prescribing medications for all - and children and young people are no exception. Whilst issues such as accountability and responsibility remain pertinent, a focus on the law and non medical prescribing will be given, with reference, for example, on who can prescribe controlled drugs. Several relevant Acts of Law will be explained, which will tie into ethical principles and autonomy. One might question if – and when – a child or young person can be autonomous in their decision making, so consent in children and parental responsibility will also be considered here. Some case studies will be discussed in order to make the audience think about ethical decisions, and what lies in the child’s best interests. The presentation will conclude by considering duty of care and negligence, and what it means to be a responsible non medical prescriber.