Prescribing by speech and language therapists: what changes under France’s 2026 order
France’s order of 20 January 2026 updates the medical devices that speech and language therapists may prescribe and renew, extending initial prescribing for certain devices.
Countries covered : France
The scope of prescribing by speech and language therapists is expanding. France’s order of 20 January 2026 (published in the Journal officiel on 24 January 2026) updates the list of medical devices that the profession may prescribe and renew, and takes a further step: certain devices move from prescription renewal alone to initial prescribing.
What the order of 20 January 2026 changes
The order updates the list of medical devices that speech and language therapists are authorised to prescribe and renew. The main change is the transfer of certain devices from renewal-only prescribing to initial prescribing.
In practice, speech and language therapists can now issue the initial prescription for certain devices, without waiting for a first prescription from a doctor, including devices intended for patients who have undergone a laryngectomy or have implants.
What this means in practice
- Greater autonomy to begin care promptly, without always depending on a prior medical prescription.
- Greater responsibility: the practitioner is responsible for the prescription; it must be recorded in the patient record and coordinated with the doctor.
- A framework that forms part of the wider expansion of speech and language therapists’ scope of practice (see also direct access).
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Frequently asked questions
What does the order of 20 January 2026 change for speech and language therapists?
It updates the list of medical devices they may prescribe and moves certain devices from prescription renewal to initial prescribing.
Can a speech and language therapist prescribe without a prior medical prescription?
Yes, for certain devices now eligible for initial prescribing, including devices for patients who have undergone a laryngectomy or have implants. The exact list appears in the official text.
Where can I find the list of devices concerned?
In the order published in the Journal officiel; check it before issuing any prescription.
Must prescriptions be recorded?
Yes: the prescription, its rationale and follow-up must appear in the patient record and be coordinated with the doctor.
Is this expanded scope linked to direct access?
It forms part of the same wider expansion of speech and language therapists’ scope of practice, which also includes direct access.
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