Introduction. Expansion of professional independence of nurses and midwives resulted in the creation and introduction into practice of several new professional responsibilities. The new responsibilities include dispensing drugs, writing prescriptions, and ordering diagnostic tests. Introduction of such changes undoubtedly strengthens the position of professional nurses. Therefore the current situation should be assessed as extremely momentous for nurses and midwifes not only in regards to the development of both professions but also in regards to the functioning of the entire health care system.

Aim of the study. The paper is a review and analysis of legal regulations while formulating conclusions based on the current international research.

Conclusions. International experiences in expanding the responsibilities of nurses and midwives in ordination of drugs and writing prescriptions already have a decades-long history and are positive. Therefore, we should hope that in Poland, these changes will benefit patients, health system, and the professional environment of medical staff.

Problemy Pielęgniarstwa 2015; 23 (4): 551–556