What can a nurse prescribe?
A prescription from a nurse is neither a novelty nor a way round the rules. The right comes directly from statute, and its scope is precisely defined. Below are the most important rules – without the legal jargon.
Two routes: independently or as a continuation of treatment
The Polish Act on the Professions of Nurse and Midwife provides for two situations in which a nurse or midwife can issue a prescription:
- Independent prescribing (Article 15a) – the nurse decides on the treatment themselves, but only with medicines containing substances on the Minister of Health's list.
- Continuation of treatment (Article 15b) – the nurse issues a further prescription for a medicine previously prescribed by a doctor.
In both cases the appropriate qualifications are required, and the prescription is preceded by an assessment of the patient's condition. The assessment can be carried out remotely.
What a nurse can prescribe independently
The list of substances is set out in a regulation of the Minister of Health (consolidated text: Journal of Laws (Dz.U.) 2025, item 1054). Among other things, it covers substances used in the following situations:
- cystitis – furazidine, fosfomycin, trimethoprim,
- vaginal thrush – clotrimazole, nystatin, natamycin (vaginal use only),
- bacterial vaginosis – metronidazole (vaginal use only),
- tonsillitis – phenoxymethylpenicillin,
- sinusitis and ear infections – amoxicillin,
- scabies – crotamiton,
- threadworms – mebendazole, pyrantel,
- vitamin D deficiency – colecalciferol,
- nausea and vomiting – ondansetron, thiethylperazine,
- asthma, reliever medicine – salbutamol, ipratropium bromide (inhaled),
- skin infections – oxytetracycline with hydrocortisone (ointment).
A separate entry is ulipristal acetate, used in emergency contraception – the list specifies that it applies to midwives. That's why our consultations about the morning-after pill are carried out by a midwife.
The fact that a substance is on the list does not mean that everyone who asks for a medicine will get it. Treatment is decided by the nurse after assessing the patient's condition.
Continuation of treatment, or repeat prescriptions
The second route is for people on long-term treatment. If a medicine was previously prescribed by a doctor – and this is documented, for example in the Internet Patient Account (IKP) – a nurse can issue a further prescription. This applies, among other things, to hormonal contraception and to medicines for high blood pressure, an underactive thyroid or high cholesterol.
Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and medicines containing very potent substances are excluded from continuation of treatment.
Read more in the article how to renew a prescription for regular medication and on the repeat prescription and contraception renewal pages.
What a nurse cannot prescribe
- psychotropic medicines, sleeping pills and narcotic drugs,
- medicines not on the list – unless it is a continuation of treatment prescribed by a doctor,
- new treatment for a long-term condition.
A nurse also cannot issue a sick note (L4) or a referral to a specialist. For these, you need to see a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is a prescription from a nurse valid at every pharmacy?
Yes. It is an ordinary e-prescription – you can use it at any pharmacy in Poland by giving the code and your PESEL number.
Can every nurse issue prescriptions?
No. Only nurses and midwives with the qualifications specified in the Act have this right. At Receptosia, consultations are carried out only by people who hold it.
The content on this page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
