Christophe Clergeau, a French MEP from the Socialists and Democrats group, has asked the European Commission whether EU pharmaceutical legislation prevents Member States from allowing advanced practice nurses to renew or adapt treatments covered by a centralised marketing authorisation. The question, tabled on 29 June 2026, seeks to resolve a potential conflict between national competence over health professional roles and the uniform application of EU medicines law.
Clergeau's written question notes that several Member States are expanding the role of advanced practice nurses to improve access to care and management of chronic diseases. However, uncertainty remains about whether these professionals, when authorised under national law, can modify prescriptions for medicines approved via the EU's centralised procedure. The MEP points to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which leaves the organisation of health services and definition of professional competences to Member States.
first, whether Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 and Directive 2001/83/EC prevent a Member State from allowing advanced practice nurses to renew or adapt centrally authorised treatments within their national competences; second, whether the Commission intends to clarify this point to ensure uniform application of EU law and promote continuity of care.
The question touches on a cleavage between national sovereignty over healthcare and EU harmonisation of pharmaceutical rules. If the Commission confirms that national flexibility is permitted, it could empower Member States to delegate prescribing tasks to nurses, potentially improving patient access and reducing doctor workloads. Conversely, a restrictive interpretation could limit such delegation, preserving the current physician-centred model but possibly hindering healthcare efficiency.
Stakeholders most affected include advanced practice nurses and their professional organisations, who would gain or lose autonomy; patients with chronic conditions, who could benefit from more accessible prescription renewals; national health authorities, which would need to align their rules with EU law; and pharmaceutical companies, which may face varying prescribing practices across Member States.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it sees room for Member States to expand nursing roles under existing EU law or whether it considers legislative clarification necessary.