The recommendations were set out in an advanced level nursing position statement published by the DoH last week.
The statement is intended to be used as a benchmark to enhance patient safety and the delivery of high quality care, the DoH said.
It believes that, by supporting local governance, the statement will help improve employment practice and encourage consistency in use of titles.
Professor Matt Griffiths, a former RCN prescribing adviser, told GP that such consistency would give reassurance to those working with nurse prescribers.
‘Over recent years there has been huge variation in job titles and the skills that people actually possess,’ he said.
‘It should be reassuring to both GPs and patients alike, that staff working at an advanced level need to ensure that they are meeting these standards.’
He added: ‘This document will be a helpful tool for employers and managers to help review their staffs learning and development needs.’
The DoH said the position statement could have relevance to midwifery, health visiting and allied health professions.
