A Direction to Administer (DA) is a written instruction from a prescriber than enables a healthcare professional to administer prescription only medicines (POM) to a patient as required by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The governance frameworks for community nursing providers in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICS, require a written direction to administer to be in place to authorise their staff to administer medication.

There are now standardised electronic forms replacing all the existing Direction to Administer forms across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. These will be launched on the 9^th June 2025. Directions to administer written prior to 9^th June, on previous forms, will be valid for use until their expiry date.

Previous forms (ASS1,DNS1, T34, DN14) will still be valid for use for new directions to administer, until 9^th August, and will be valid for use until their expiry date.

For any issues encountered or comments please contact us on nnicb-nn.medsman@nhs.net.

Please use the resources below for information on the processes and forms agreed:

1. Direction to administer guidance - outlines the purpose, rationale and validity of the different forms.
2. Webinar recording – A webinar explaining the background, context and implementation of the project.
3. Direction to administer SystmOne and EMIS practices videos – essential viewing on the types of forms, the process and other important points for implementation.
4. Written ‘How to’ guides for prescribers and nurses for SystmOne practices and EMIS.